How to check PPE conformity assessment scope
Match every protection claim to the risk category, assessment scope and exact product covered by the type-examination evidence. For Category III, also verify current production assessment rather than relying on the type certificate alone. Ask Cambridge China Bridge to coordinate factory evidence checks.
Start with the protection you will claim
Write down the intended use, hazards, claimed protection levels and limitations before asking the supplier for certificates. Include claims on packaging, instructions and sales listings. Ask the manufacturer to explain the risk category against those hazards, rather than accepting a category based only on the product name.
The assessment procedure must follow the product's risk categorisation. Our medical devices and PPE sourcing guide explains the initial regime choice. Here, the task is to connect each protection claim to assessment evidence for the product you will actually buy.
Check the assessment route and body's scope
Ask the relevant authority to confirm whether simple-risk PPE can be self-declared and which third-party assessment and ongoing surveillance requirements apply to Category II and Category III. Ask for a written assessment route and identify who assessed the product type and, where applicable, who oversees production.
Check the body's published appointment scope for the product type, claimed hazards and assessment procedure. An appointment covering a product under production quality assurance does not automatically cover its type examination. Ask the body to resolve any mismatch. Use our marking and certification guide for the wider marking questions.
Build a claim-to-evidence record
Request the complete type-examination certificate, schedules, amendments and supporting reports. Against each protection claim, record the assessed model, materials, construction, sizes, accessories, test method, result and limitations. Ask the issuer to confirm coverage where the certificate uses a family name or the supplier uses a different sales code.
For example, if a glove is promoted for both mechanical and chemical protection, ask where each claim is supported. Do not infer chemical protection from evidence addressing only mechanical performance. Our test report verification guide covers report authenticity; this record checks whether the evidence supports the claim.
Verify ongoing production assessment separately
For Category III, ask which production route applies: supervised product checks at random intervals or quality assurance of the production process. Obtain the relevant assessment records or approval decision, then ask the responsible body to confirm the current status and coverage of the product and manufacturing site.
Keep type approval and production approval as separate checks. OPSS explains that, if a UK Approved Body resigns, type approval may remain valid subject to conditions, while its production or quality-control approvals cease to be valid on resignation. A surviving type certificate therefore does not establish continuing production coverage.
Set an evidence gate before shipment
Before approving shipment, reconcile the claim record with the declaration, instructions, artwork and production specification. Ask the factory to identify changes since assessment, including materials, components, construction and manufacturing site. Where coverage is unclear, obtain the assessing body's written decision before accepting the changed product.
Keep the issuer's replies, current assessment documents and the approved specification together. Record unresolved gaps and hold purchasing approval until they are closed. Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China can coordinate factory document collection and compare production details with the buyer's agreed specification.
Frequently asked questions
Does every PPE product need third-party certification?
Ask the relevant authority to confirm whether your PPE can be self-declared or needs third-party assessment, and whether its risk category calls for ongoing production surveillance.
Is a PPE test report enough?
For Category II or Category III, ask for the type-examination evidence as well as supporting reports. Check that each protection claim and your exact configuration are covered.
How do I check PPE certificate scope?
Compare the certificate and schedules with your model, materials, construction and claims. Check the body's appointment scope, then ask the issuer to confirm any unclear coverage in writing.
Can I rely on a Category III type certificate alone?
No. Check the applicable ongoing production assessment separately. Obtain current records and ask the responsible body to confirm product and manufacturing-site coverage.