AS 4399:2020

This Standard sets out procedures for determining the performance of materials and items of clothing that are worn in close proximity to the skin to provide protection against solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The sun protective capability of materials and clothing is described in terms of their UPF, which is based on an objective, reproducible test conducted on the material. This information is provided to the consumer in the form of a labelling scheme.

This Standard sets out procedures for determining the performance of materials and items of clothing that are worn in close proximity to the skin to provide protection against solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The sun protective capability of materials and clothing is described in terms of their ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), which is based on an objective, reproducible test conducted on the material. This information is provided to the consumer in the form of a labelling scheme.
This Standard applies to all materials and items of clothing seeking to claim a UPF rating. All such clothing needs to be designed in a manner that supports the concept of minimal skin exposure. This Standard specifies the minimum amount of body coverage by an item of clothing in order to be allowed to make a UPF claim.
This Standard excludes the following:
(a) Sunglasses.
(b) Sunscreen products for topical application to human skin.
(c) Materials for architectural or horticultural use such as shade cloth.
(d) Items which offer protection at a distance from the skin such as shade structures.
(e) Protection from UVR from sources other than the sun.
In this Standard, any reference made to UVR refers exclusively to solar UVR.
NOTE 1 For sunscreen requirements, refer to AS/NZS 2604.
NOTE 2 For sunglasses requirements, refer to AS/NZS 1067.1 and AS 1067.2.
NOTE 3 For shade fabric requirements, refer to AS 4174.
NOTE 4 Products such as umbrellas and shade structures which are not in close proximity to the skin will provide a lesser degree of protection than would be indicated by the rating of the material from which the product is made because of the amount of scattered radiation that could enter from around the edges of the product. The amount of this radiation will vary with the area of the product and the distance of the product from the body. This Standard is therefore not appropriate for evaluating such items (refer to AS 4174).

Originated as AS/NZS 4399:1996.
Previous edition 2017.
Revised and redesignated as AS 4399:2020.