Textile UV Protection Standards: A Comparison of International Testing Methods and Requirements
In the previous article, we covered the background of the development of UV-protective textiles, the classification of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, key test methods for assessing UV-protective performance, and the principles behind UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings. While international standards generally rely on instrumental testing to evaluate the UV-protective properties of textiles, there are significant variations regarding sample preparation, testing environments, UPF classification systems, and labeling requirements. This article will outline the UV-protection test standards adopted by major countries and organizations, and compare their respective testing procedures and evaluation criteria.
Test Standards for UV Protection Properties of Textiles
Australian and New Zealand Standards
Australia and New Zealand pioneered the development of the standard “Sun protective clothing—Evaluation and classification” (AS/NZS 4399). This standard is primarily used to determine the ultraviolet (UV) transmittance of protective textiles, garments, and other items (such as hats) that are worn close to the skin. It also establishes requirements for labeling regarding protection against UV radiation, effectively integrating test methods with labeling specifications. Fabric samples must be tested in a dry and relaxed state; four specimens are required for each sample—two taken in the warp direction and two in the weft. While no pre-conditioning of the specimens is necessary, the test environment is subject to specific requirements (relative humidity of 50% ± 20%). Based on the UV transmittance measured at various wavelengths, the average transmittance for UV-A and UV-B, as well as the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) value, can be calculated. These values are then adjusted using a prescribed formula to arrive at the final UPF rating. The standard also addresses how to mitigate the influence of fabric fluorescence on test results and outlines the classification system for the protective efficacy of textiles, along with corresponding labeling requirements.
Table 1: UPF values and protection categories as defined by Australian/New Zealand standards
| UPF Range | Protection Category | UV Transmittance (%) | UPF Label |
| 15–24 | Good Protection | 6.7–4.2 | 15, 20 |
| 25–39 | Very Good Protection | 4.1–2.6 | 25, 30, 35 |
| 40–50, 50+ | Excellent Protection | ≤ 2.5 | 40, 45, 50, 50+ |
European Standards
Unlike the Australian standard, the European standard for UV protection in textiles consists of two parts: one for testing and one for classification and labeling.
The testing standard, “EN 13758-1: Textiles – Solar UV protective properties – Part 1: Method of test for apparel fabrics,” was revised in 2006 by the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, based on the British Standard BS 7914:1998. This standard focuses specifically on the UV protective properties of apparel fabrics and is not applicable to products designed for UV protection at a distance, such as umbrellas or sunshades. Test samples are categorized as either homogeneous or non-homogeneous; for homogeneous fabrics, four specimens must be tested, while for non-homogeneous fabrics, two specimens are tested for each variation in color or structure. The standard requires the determination of the mean UVA and UVB transmittance, as well as the UPF value. It explicitly notes that the UV protective performance of textiles may be reduced when the material is stretched or wet.
The classification and labeling standard, “EN 13758-2:2003+A1:2006: Textiles – Solar UV protective properties – Part 2: Classification and marking of apparel,” is based on the British Standard BS 7949:1999 and applies to UV-protective clothing. This standard specifies requirements for the design of the apparel. Once the fabric has been tested in accordance with EN 13758-1, the garment is recognized as having UV-protective properties—and may therefore bear the designated UV-protection mark (see Table 5)—only if it meets the following criteria: a UPF value (the minimum UPF value across all fabrics used) greater than 40, and a UVA transmittance of less than 5%.
American Standard
The U.S. standard for the ultraviolet (UV) protection performance of textiles differs from those in Australia and Europe; it incorporates pre-treatment procedures to simulate actual end-use conditions, as well as testing in a wet state. The overall standard system consists of three components: pre-treatment, testing, and labeling/classification.
The pre-treatment standard, “ASTM D 6544: Standard Practice for Preparation of Textiles Prior to Ultraviolet Transmission Testing,” applies to fabrics or garments marketed as providing protection against sunlight or UV radiation. Before undergoing UV transmission testing, samples are subjected to pre-treatment—including laundering (40 cycles of hand washing, machine washing, or dry cleaning, as specified by the garment’s care label), sun exposure (100 AFU of light exposure), and exposure to chlorinated pool water (in accordance with AATCC 162)—to simulate approximately two years of typical use. Subsequent testing for UV protection performance, conducted according to AATCC 183, reveals the residual level of UV protection after two years of product use.
The UV protection performance test method, “AATCC 183: Transmittance or Blocking of Erythemally Weighted Ultraviolet Radiation through Fabrics,” is used to evaluate a fabric’s ability to block or transmit UV radiation. Samples are tested in both a dry state (conditioned for 4 hours at 21°C and 65% relative humidity) and a wet state (with a 150% wet pick-up, wrapped in plastic film). Testing is performed by taking three measurements at the area of the fabric with the highest UV transmittance. The average UV transmittance is then used to calculate the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), the mean transmittance for UV-A and UV-B, and the corresponding UV-A and UV-B blocking percentages.
The labeling/classification standard, “ASTM D 6603: Standard Guide for Labeling of UV-Protective Textiles,” establishes the requirements for labeling textiles that provide protection against UV-A and UV-B radiation. For ultraviolet (UV) protection testing of textiles in accordance with AATCC 183, samples may be tested in one of three states: as-received (untreated), after one wash cycle, or following pre-treatment (as specified by the ASTM D 6544 standard). The UPF value is determined for the samples in these various states, and the garment’s UV protection rating—which is then used for labeling—is based on the lowest UPF value among the three states. The standard defines four levels of UV protection (see Table 2); products with a UPF value below 15 cannot be labeled as UV-protective.
Table 2 UPF values and protection categories according to ASTM D 6603
| UPF Range | Protection Rating |
| <15 | Cannot be labeled as sun-protective or UV-protective |
| 15–24 | Good UV protection |
| 25–39 | Very good UV protection |
| ≥ 40 | Excellent UV protection |
Chinese Standards
Incorporating elements from both Australian and European standards, China established the national standard “GB/T 18830: Textiles – Evaluation of Ultraviolet Protection Properties” in 2002. This comprehensive standard—much like the Australian standard AS/NZS 4399—outlines test methods for assessing the ultraviolet (UV) protection provided by fabrics, as well as the criteria for evaluating, labeling, and expressing these protection levels. The standard requires that four specimens be taken from each homogeneous sample, while for non-homogeneous samples, two specimens must be taken for each distinct color or structural variation. Based on the measured spectral transmittance, the average UV-A and UV-B transmittance and the average Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) are calculated. For both homogeneous and non-homogeneous materials, the lowest UPF value obtained among the tested specimens is designated as the UPF value for the material. A textile product may only be labeled as providing UV protection if it meets the following criteria:
UPF > 30 and average UV-A transmittance (T(UVA)AV) < 5%.
If the UPF value exceeds 50, it should be labeled as “50+”. While this standard applies to all types of fabrics, it also requires a disclaimer noting that long-term use, or use while the fabric is stretched or damp, may reduce its UV-protective performance.
International Test Association Standards
To address the limitations of the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 4399:1996, the Switzerland-based International Testing Association developed the “UV-Standard 801.” While this standard continues to utilize the AS/NZS 4399 methodology for measuring UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) values, it employs a significantly different approach to sample preparation. It incorporates additional conditioning processes—such as abrasion, laundering (wet or dry cleaning), stretching, and wetting—to simulate conditions or stresses that products frequently encounter during normal use. Following successful testing and certification, a certificate valid for a maximum of one year may be issued.
Test samples are categorized into two groups: first, apparel and fabrics, which require UPF testing in various states—untreated, abraded, and laundered (wet or dry cleaned)—with each state further subjected to stretching and wetting (typically requiring 6–8 samples); and second, sun-protection textiles (such as awnings, parasols, and curtains), which require UPF testing in both untreated and sun-exposed states, with each state subjected to stretching and wetting (typically requiring 4 samples). The testing and evaluation criteria for UV protection performance are based on AS/NZS 4399. The following UPF values may be indicated on product labels after testing:
able 3 UV Standard 801 Test Requirements
| Category | Specimen Type | 1 | 2 |
| Mechanical Stress | Rubbing | + | − |
| Mechanical Stress | Washing (Laundering, Dry Cleaning) | + | − |
| Mechanical Stress | Exposure to Sunlight | − | + |
| UPF Test | Untreated Specimen | + | + |
| UPF Test | Rubbed Specimen | + | − |
| UPF Test | Laundered Specimen | + | − |
| UPF Test | Dry-cleaned Specimen | + | − |
| UPF Test | Sun-exposed Specimen | − | + |
| Number of Tests | — | 3 or 4 | 2 |
Note: Specimen Type 1 refers to apparel and fabrics (e.g., sportswear, casual wear, etc.), while Type 2 refers to sun-protection textiles (e.g., awnings, curtains, parasols, etc.). Compared to AS/NZS 4399, UPF values determined according to UV-Standard 801 are generally significantly lower, as the former standard tests specimens in an untreated, dry, and unstretched state. UV-Standard 801 categorizes human skin into six types based on characteristics such as skin tone (Table 4). Since the level of natural protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation varies by skin tone—with lighter skin tones offering less protection—individuals with Skin Types I and II are more susceptible to skin-related conditions and possess a lower natural resistance to UV radiation; consequently, they require products with higher UV-protection performance.
Table 4 Skin Classification
| Skin Type | Characteristics | Skin reaction after 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure in June | Skin’s own protection duration |
| I | Fair skin; freckles; blonde or red hair; green or blue eyes | Easily sunburned, does not tan | 5–10 minutes |
| II | Fair skin; blonde hair; green or blue eyes | Easily sunburned, tans slightly | 10–20 minutes |
| III | Dark hair; brown eyes | Mild sunburn, tans noticeably | 20–30 minutes |
| IV | Dark skin; dark or black hair; brown eyes | No sunburn, tans easily | Approximately 45 minutes |
| V | Dark skin; black hair; dark eyes | No sunburn | Approx. 60 minutes |
| VI | Black skin; black hair; dark eyes | No sunburn | Approx. 90 minutes |
Differences between the standards
Standards for evaluating ultraviolet (UV) protection performance across various countries primarily rely on the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) value, while also taking into account the average transmittance of UVA or UVB radiation. Standards in the United States, Europe, and China are based on the solar spectral irradiance profile of the United States, whereas the Australian standard and “UV Standard 801” are based on the solar spectral irradiance profile of Australia. In the U.S. and Europe, testing protocols (including specimen pre-treatment) and classification/labeling requirements are addressed in separate standards; in contrast, China and Australia consolidate both testing and classification/labeling into a single standard, while “UV Standard 801” mandates a formal testing and certification process. Within these frameworks, the U.S. standard places a strong emphasis on the pre-treatment of fabric specimens—simulating two years of actual use through 40 cycles of washing, sun exposure, and immersion in chlorinated pool water. Similarly, “UV Standard 801” builds upon the Australian standard by incorporating pre-treatment procedures that simulate real-world wear (including abrasion, washing, and stretching in both dry and wet states). Conversely, the standards in Europe and China do not specify pre-treatment procedures, focusing instead on testing and classification/labeling; consequently, they are somewhat less comprehensive in accounting for product performance under actual, long-term usage conditions.
Table 5 Differences among national standards for UV-resistance test methods
| Parameter | US Standard | European Standard | Australian Standard | Chinese Standard |
| Scope | Fabrics in dry, wet, and stretched states | Garment fabrics | Untreated textiles in a dry, unstretched state | All textiles |
| Number of specimens | 2 (one dry, one wet) | 4 | 2 warp, 2 weft | 4 |
| Non-homogeneous specimens | At least 1 specimen per color and structure | At least 2 specimens per color and structure | At least 1 specimen per color | At least 2 specimens per color and structure |
| Conditioning | Required | Required | Not required | Required |
| Test environment | Dry specimens; temperature 21°C ± 1°C, relative humidity 65% ± 2% | Temperature 20°C ± 2°C, relative humidity 65% ± 2% | Temperature 20°C ± 5°C, relative humidity 50% ± 20% | Temperature 20°C ± 2°C, relative humidity 65% ± 2% |
| Reference solar spectral irradiance | Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; summer noon, July 3rd | Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; summer noon, July 3rd | Melbourne, Australia; winter noon, January 1st | Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA; summer noon, July 3rd |
| Corrected standard deviation | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| UV protection requirements | UPF ≥ 15; categorized into three protection levels | UPF > 40; for homogeneous specimens, mean UV-A transmittance < 5% | UPF ≥ 15; categorized into three protection levels | UPF > 30; mean UV-A transmittance < 5% |
Regarding the criteria for determining whether a textile possesses ultraviolet (UV) protection, the standards in the United States and Australia set the threshold at UPF ≥ 15; the European standard requires UPF > 40 (with a UVA transmittance of < 5%); the Chinese standard specifies UPF > 30 (with a UVA transmittance of < 5%); while UV Standard 801 does not stipulate a specific value. Although both the U.S. and Australian standards establish a minimum UPF value of 15 for UV-protective products, the samples tested under each standard differ significantly—specifically regarding whether they undergo pre-treatment—rendering the two standards incomparable. Criteria for defining UV-protective textiles vary considerably across different countries, as do the corresponding testing methods (see Table 5).
Requirements for UV-protective products from European and American clients
Buyers in Europe and the United States have varying requirements and apply different standards for UV-protective textile products (such as beachwear, swimwear, and sun-shading textiles). For these clients, procurement requirements are generally based on the end-use of the product rather than the specific fabric type or finishing process. In the U.S. market, clients typically require that products undergo appropriate pre-treatment, followed by testing according to the AATCC 183 standard. The UV-protective performance is then evaluated based on the ASTM D 6603 standard, with the required protection level and specific UPF value determined by the product’s intended use (see Table 6). European clients, by contrast, generally use the EN 13758-2 standard to assess UV-protective performance, typically requiring a UPF value of 40 or higher; however, a small number of European clients may instead require the use of the BS 7914 standard for such evaluations.
Table 6 Procurement Requirements of International Buyers
| Company Name | Test Standard | Textile Type | Pre-treatment | Minimum Requirement |
| Well-known Canadian Apparel Company | AATCC 183 | UV-protective fabrics and garments | As-received; 20 wash cycles | UPF 35 |
| Globally Renowned Children’s Clothing Company | AATCC 183 | Swim caps | As-received (dry state) | UPF 25 |
| Major U.S. Warehouse Retailer | AATCC 183 | UV-protective functional fabrics | 40 wash cycles; 100 AFU exposure (lightfastness); chlorinated pool water exposure | Actual test results |
| Major U.S. Warehouse Retailer | AATCC 183 | UV-protective treated fabrics; adult outerwear | As-received; 3 wash cycles | UPF 30 |
| Company Name | Test Standard | Textile Type | Pre-treatment | Minimum Requirement |
Conclusion
Currently, there is no globally unified standard for testing the ultraviolet (UV) protection properties of textiles. Various countries have established their own requirements for sample pre-treatment, performance testing, and classification labeling, tailored to their specific circumstances. Existing standards primarily utilize instrumental testing methods to evaluate the UV protection performance of samples, with the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) value and the transmittance of UV radiation within specific wavelength ranges serving as the fundamental parameters for characterization.
In terms of standard frameworks, the testing of UV-protective textiles generally encompasses three components: sample pre-treatment, performance testing, and classification labeling. Standards from the United States and those under “UV Standard 801” place significant emphasis on sample pre-treatment, whereas standards in Europe, Australia, and China focus primarily on performance testing and classification labeling. While these standards share similar underlying testing principles, they differ in areas such as sample preparation, testing conditions, and product classification.
Furthermore, because sensitivity to UV radiation varies by skin type, the testing standards and performance requirements for UV-protective textiles—particularly those sought by buyers in Europe and the United States—may shift depending on the product’s intended end-use. Consequently, when developing and testing UV-protective textiles, manufacturers and exporters must determine their testing protocols by carefully considering their target markets, the applicable standards, and the specific intended use of the products.
Reference: China Dyeing & Finishing (2009 No. 03)— “Current Status of Testing Standards for the UV-Protective Properties of Textiles”. If any copyright infringement is detected, please contact us.
