Certification Standards · NIOSH vs GB2626

How to Verify KN95 vs N95 Certification Documents

Document verification is the single most important step in respirator procurement. A KN95 or N95 respirator without valid certification documentation is a compliance liability. This guide walks through exactly which documents to request, how to verify them, and what red flags to watch for when a supplier sends certification paperwork.

KN95 Certification Documents to Request

For KN95 respirators certified to GB2626-2006, request the following from your supplier:

• GB2626-2006 test report: Issued by a Chinese testing laboratory. Must show filtration efficiency ≥95%, inhalation resistance ≤350 Pa, and TIL ≤8%.
• CE certificate: If the product carries CE marking, verify the notified body number against the NANDO database. Our article on verifying KN95 mask CE certificate authenticity covers this step-by-step.
• Declaration of Conformity: The manufacturer's self-declaration that the product meets the claimed standard.ard.
• Batch-specific QC reports: Request QC data for the specific production batch you are purchasing, not just a generic certificate.

N95 Certification Documents to Request

For N95 respirators, the verification process is different because NIOSH maintains a centralized approval system:

• NIOSH approval number: Format is TC-84A-XXXX. Verify directly on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL).
• Manufacturer authorization: Confirm the seller is an authorized distributor of the NIOSH-approved manufacturer.
• Packaging verification: NIOSH-approved N95 respirators must have the manufacturer name, model number, and approval number printed on the packaging.

Red Flags in Certification Documents

For KN95 Documents

• Test report has no lab name or accreditation number
• CE certificate lists a notified body that does not appear in the NANDO database
• Certificate dates are expired or pre-date the product's manufacturing datedate
• Supplier refuses to provide the original PDF (only sends a scanned image)

For N95 Documents

• NIOSH approval number does not match the NIOSH CEL
• Product is labeled "N95" but the manufacturer is not on the NIOSH approval listval list
• Seller claims "FDA-approved N95" - N95 is NIOSH-certified, not FDA-approved (surgical N95s have both FDA clearance and NIOSH approval)pproval)

Practical Verification Workflow

Follow this sequence for any respirator procurement, whether KN95 or N95:

1. Request documents before quoting: Do not wait until after the order. Ask for test reports and certificates during the RFQ stage.
2. Verify independently: For KN95 CE certificates, check the NANDO database. For N95, check the NIOSH CEL. Do not rely on the supplier's word.ord.
3. Request a pre-shipment sample: Test the physical product against the documented specifications. Our factory audit checklist for KN95 mask quality includes sample testing protocols.
4. Verify product labeling: Check that the physical product matches the documentation. Mismatched model numbers or missing markings are red flags.

For buyers sourcing CE-certified KN95 cup respirators, Justsun provides GB2626-2006 test reports and CE documentation upon request during the RFQ process.

FAQ

How long are KN95 test reports valid?

GB2626-2006 test reports do not have a universal expiration date, but most buyers accept reports issued within the last 12-24 months. If the report is older, request a retest or a more recent batch QC report.

Can I trust a CE certificate from an unknown notified body?

No. Always verify the notified body number in the EU NANDO database. If the notified body is not listed or is not authorized for PPE/respiratory protection, the CE certificate is invalid. See our detailed guide on KN95 mask CE marking requirements for notified body verification.

What if my supplier says N95 and KN95 are the same?

They are not the same certification. While filtration performance is comparable, the regulatory frameworks are different. A supplier who conflates the two standards may not understand export compliance requirements. For more on this distinction, see KN95 vs N95 FDA approval gap for importers.