ASTM D6603-19

Standard Specification for Labeling of UV-Protective Textiles

SCOPE
1.1 This standard describes labeling requirements for textile products intended for the protection of humans from UVA and UVB radiation.  
1.2 This standard is not intended to be used for the labeling of medical-device sun protective fabrics and clothing whose labeling is specified in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Draft Guidance for the Preparation of a Premarket Notification document.  
1.3 The label requirements are in addition to those required by the Care Labeling Rule and fiber content (composition) labeling acts (Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939, and The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act).  
1.4 This document contains terminology to be used in the labeling of UV-protective textiles.  
1.5 Labeling recommended in this specification will be based on UV-protection data collected by instrumental methods.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2019
• ICS: 13.340.10 - Protective clothing
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.65 - UV Protective Fabrics and Clothing

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6603-12 - Standard Specification for Labeling of UV-Protective Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3938-18(2023) - Standard Guide for Determining or Confirming Care Instructions for Apparel and Other Textile Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3938-18 - Standard Guide for Determining or Confirming Care Instructions for Apparel and Other Textile Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3938-13 - Standard Guide for Determining or Confirming Care Instructions for Apparel and Other Textile Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D123-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D6544-11 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Textiles Prior to Ultraviolet (UV) Transmission Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM D123-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2009

Overview

ASTM D6603-19: Standard Specification for Labeling of UV-Protective Textiles provides comprehensive labeling requirements for textiles and apparel intended to protect users from UVA and UVB radiation. This standard establishes a uniform system for labeling, supporting consumer understanding and accurate product comparison for UV-protective garments and fabrics. The specification is applicable to non-medical textiles and sets requirements in addition to existing care and fiber content labeling regulations.

Key Topics

• UV-Protection Labeling Requirements: Establishes criteria for labeling UV-protective textiles, including the display of Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) values and standardized terminology.
• Applicability: Covers clothing and textiles designed for ultraviolet (UV) protection, excluding those classified as medical devices or regulated separately by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Data-Driven Labeling: Ensures that any UV-blocking claims are supported by scientifically validated instrumental methods for measuring UV transmission through textiles, referencing AATCC Test Method 183 and related ASTM test practices.
• Terminology: Provides and standardizes definitions such as UPF, UV-protective textile, and categories of UV-protection (Good, Very Good, Excellent).
• Product Label Elements: Mandates that labels must clearly state the UPF, corresponding protection category, and a reference to the compliance with ASTM D6603. Additional optional elements include UV-A and UV-B block percentages, explanatory notes on UV protection, and appropriate warnings.

Applications

• Sun Protective Clothing & Accessories: Used by manufacturers producing garments, hats, and shade products designed to reduce user exposure to UVA and UVB radiation.
• Textile Product Development: Assists textile developers and brands in substantiating UV-protection claims for marketing and consumer transparency.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Guides compliance teams and regulatory affairs professionals in meeting U.S. and international requirements for UV-protective textile labeling.
• Consumer Education: Informs end-users about the level of protection offered, supporting better purchasing decisions and promoting safe practices regarding UV exposure.

Related Standards

• ASTM D6544: Practice for Preparation of Textiles Prior to Ultraviolet (UV) Transmission Testing - details specimen preparation for reliable UV testing.
• AATCC TM183: Transmittance or Blocking of Erythemally Weighted Ultraviolet Radiation Through Fabrics - the primary test method for determining UPF values.
• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles - glossary of textile-related terms referenced in labeling.
• ASTM D3938: Guide for Determining or Confirming Care Instructions for Apparel and Other Textile Products.
• Regulatory Acts: Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 and Textile Fiber Products Identification Act - foundational labeling laws for fiber content.
• FDA Device Guidance: Applicable for medical textile UV-protective products, not covered under ASTM D6603-19.
• AS/NZS 4399: Australian/New Zealand standard for sun-protective clothing evaluation, often referenced for global harmonization.

Practical Value

• Consumer Confidence: Uniform labeling supports trust in UV-protective textile claims by ensuring independently validated test data and clear, truthful product information.
• Market Access: Compliance with ASTM D6603-19 facilitates acceptance in commercial and international markets aligning to recognized labeling practices.
• Risk Mitigation: Reduces potential for misleading claims or regulatory penalties by adhering to standardized UV-protective labeling protocols.
• Educational Benefit: Promotes informed use by advising consumers on factors that may affect UPF, such as laundering, stretching, and fabric wetness.

Keywords: UV-protective textiles, UPF labeling, sun-protective clothing, UV protection, ASTM standards, textile labeling, consumer safety, UV-blocking garments, apparel compliance, standardized labeling

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D6603 −19
Standard Specification for
Labeling of UV-Protective Textiles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6603; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 AATCC Standards:
AATCC LP1 Home Laundering: Washing Machine
1.1 This standard describes labeling requirements for textile
AATCC LP2 Home Laundering: Hand Washing
products intended for the protection of humans from UVAand
AATCC TM16.3 Colorfastness to Light: Xenon Arc
UVB radiation.
AATCC TM162 Colorfastness to Water: Chlorinated Pool
1.2 This standard is not intended to be used for the labeling
AATCC TM172 Colorfastness to Powdered Non-chlorine
of medical-device sun protective fabrics and clothing whose
Bleach in Home Laundering
labeling is specified in the U.S. Food and Drug Administra-
AATCC TM183 Transmittance or Blocking of Erythermally
tion’s Draft Guidance for the Preparation of a Premarket
Weighted Ultraviolet Radiation through Fabrics
Notification document.
AATCC TM188 Colorfastness to Sodium Hypochlorite
1.3 The label requirements are in addition to those required Bleach in Home Laundering
by the Care Labeling Rule and fiber content (composition)
2.3 Other Standards:
labeling acts (Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939, and The
15 U.S.C., Chapter 2, Subchapter V, The Textile Fiber
Textile Fiber Products Identification Act).
Products Identification Act
15 U.S.C., Chapter 2, Subchapter III, et. seq., Wool Products
1.4 This document contains terminology to be used in the
Labeling Act of 1939
labeling of UV-protective textiles.
16 C.F.R. Part 303, Rules and Regulations Under the Textile
1.5 Labeling recommended in this specification will be
Fiber Products Identification Act
based on UV-protection data collected by instrumental meth-
16 C.F.R. Part 300, Rules and Regulations Under the Wool
ods.
Products Identification Act
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
16 C.F.R Part 423, Care Labeling of Wearing Apparel and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Certain Piece Goods
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
AS/NZS 4399: 1996, Australian/New Zealand Standard Sun
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Protective Clothing – Evaluation and Classification
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
FDA Office of Device Evaluation, Draft Guidance for the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Preparation of a Premarket Notification (510(K)) Submis-
sion for Sun Protective Clothing, August 10, 1994
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3. Terminology
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
3.1 For definitions of terms relating to UV-protective tex-
D3938 Guide for Determining or Confirming Care Instruc-
tiles refer to Terminology D123.
tions for Apparel and Other Textile Products
3.2 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
D6544 Practice for Preparation of Textiles Prior to Ultravio-
UV-protective textile, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), and
let (UV) Transmission Testing
UV-protection categories.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on
Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.65 on UV Protective Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
Fabrics and Clothing. (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, http://
Current edition approved July 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally www.aatcc.org.
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D6603 – 12. DOI: AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
10.1520/D6603-19. 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or www.access.gpo.gov.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from Standards Australia, 1 the Crescent, Homebush NSW 2140
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Australia and Standards New Zealand, Level 10, Standards House, 155TheTerrace,
the ASTM website. Wellington 0001, New Zealand.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6603−19
3.3 For definition of other terms related to textiles, refer to 4.7 UV-protective labeling should be used on any, and all,
Terminology D123. fabrics or garments, or both, if those products make a UV-
protective claim as determined by this specification.
4. Significance and Use
5. Determination of Mean UPF of Prepared-for-Testing
4.1 This specification to labeling provides a uniform system
Specimens
of labeling on UV-protective textiles that informs consumers
5.1 The determination of Mean UPF (UPF ) of prepared-
about the amount of UV-protection provided. m
for-testing specimens is based on measurements on specimens
4.2 UV-protective textiles labeled according to this standard
that have been exposed to environments that may alter the
will permit consumers to compare the amount of protection
transmittance of ultraviolet radiation through them. Fabric
provided by various textiles and purchase the product that best
specimens shall have been prepared for UV transmittance
meets their sun protection needs.
testing according to Practice D6544. All specimens shall be
4.3 UV-labeling is in addition to other required labeling of testedinthedrystate.Formaterialsthatareintendedtobeused
where there is a likelihood that the garment will be worn wet,
garments including Permanent Care Labels and fiber content
(composition) labels. specimens may also be tested in the wet state according to
AATCC TM183. If the end use product/garment is expected to
4.4 Manufacturers are encouraged to provide information to
be worn wet the purchaser and supplier should agree upon
consumers that aids in selecting products that provide the
whether a material should or should not be tested in the wet
amount of UV-protection desired.
state.
4.5 UV-protective textiles labeled according to this standard
5.2 The measurement site UPF (MS ) is the arithmetic
UPF
specificationwillbelabeledwithaUPFvalue.AATCCTM183
average of the UPFs obtained when a prepared-for-testing
must be used to determine the mean UPF values of unprepared
specimen, is rotated in spectrophotometric equipment as di-
specimens, of specimens prepared using Practice D6544
rected in AATCC TM183. The MS shall be calculated for
UPF
(prepared-for-testing specimens), and of specimens taken from
the dry specimen, MS dry using Eq 1. Additionally the
UPF
garments labeled, “Wash once before wearing,” these speci-
MS may also be calculated for the wet specimen, MS
UPF UPF
mens being taken after the garment is laundered once accord-
wet.
ing to label directions. The latter specimens are referred to as
UPF 5 UPF 1UPF 1….1UPF
1 2 N
laundered-once specimens in this document. A label UPF will
MS 5 (1)
UPF
N
be calculated for the various types of specimens following
directions provided in this document. Usually, the value to be
where:
placedontheproductlabelwillbethelabelUPFcalculatedfor
N = the number of measurements at a site on the prepared-
the prepared-for-testing specimens or the label UPF calculated
for-testing test specimen.
for the unprepared specimens, whichever is the lower value. In
5.3 The test specimen UPF (TS ) is the arithmetic aver-
the case of products to be labeled, “Wash once before
UPF
age of the measurement site UPFs. Using Eq 2 Calculate
wearing,” or similar wording, the UPF value to be placed on
MS for the dry specimen, TS dry and as needed the wet
the product label will be either the UPF calculated for the
UPF UPF
specimen, TS wet.
prepared-for-testing specimens or the laundered-once UPF
specimens, whichever value is the lower one.
UPF 1UPF 1….1UPF
1 2 N
TS 5 (2)
UPF
4.5.1 Discussion—TheUPFvaluetobeplacedonagarment
N
label needs to be the lowest protection value expected during
where:
consumer use over a two-year period. Usually, this UPF value
N = the number of measurement sites.
will be that obtained for the prepared-for-testing specimens
because they have been laundered 40 times and exposed to
5.4 The mean UPF (UPF ) is the arithmetic average of the
m
UV-radiation to simulate conditions expected to lower the UPF
prepared for testing test specimen UPFs. Using Eq 3 Calculate
during consumer use. However, for certain fabrics, knits in
UPF for the dry specimen, UPF -dry and as needed the wet
m m
particular, the fabric manufacturer must tenter (stretch) the
specimen, UPF -wet.
m
fabric to standard width for the garment manufacturer. This
UPF 1UPF 1….1UPF
1 2 N
process decreases the UPF of the fabric dramatically because UPF 5 (3)
m
N
the optical porosity, which has a significant influence on UPF,
where:
is increased and does not represent the lowest UPF provided to
the consumer because after the first laundering shrinkage may
N = the number of prepared-for-testing test specimens.
restore the lost protection by reducing the optical porosity of
the fabric. In these cases, the value to compare to the
6. Determination of Mean UPF of Unprepared and
prepared-for-testing value is logically that of laundered once
Laundered-once Specimens
specimens.
6.1 The Mean UPF (UPF ) must be calculated using the
m
4.6 UV-protective labeling is intended to be used on textile UPF specimen values of the unprepared specimens or the UPF
products whose design or styling provides purposeful protec- values of the laundered-once specimens. Proper sampling
tion to covered skin. procedures as stated in Practice D6544 should have been
D6603−19
followed in selecting the yardage from which the unprepared cause the UPF of the prepared-for-testing specimens to be less
specimens are taken and likewise proper sampling procedures than that of the unprepared specimens or laundered-once
should be followed in selecting the garments to be laundered specimens.However,incertaincases,theUPFoftheprepared-
and from which the laundered-once specimens are taken. for-testing specimens may be greater than that of the unpre-
paredspecimensorthelaundered-oncespecimens(perhapsdue
6.2 The measurement site UPF (MS ) is the arithmetic
UPF
to fabric shrinkage). In this case, the UPF on the label must be
averageoftheUPFsobtainedwhenanunpreparedspecimenor
the lower of the UPFs, that of the unprepared specimens.
laundered-once specimen, is rotated in spectrophotometric
equipment as directed in AATCC TM183. The formula to use 8.3 The selected UPF must be compared to the specimen
is that in 5.2 except that N = the number of measurements at a UPF values of that sample.
site on the unprepared or laundered-once specimen. 8.3.1 When the UPF value calculated in 8.1 and selected in
8.2 is less than the lowest UPF for any specimen in the sample
6.3 The test specimen UPF (TS ) is the arithmetic aver-
UPF
(prepared- for- testing sample, unprepared sample, laundered-
age of the measurement site UPFs. The formula to be used is
once sample in the dry state and as needed the wet state), then
that in 5.3.
the value of UPF to be placed on the product label is the UPF
6.4 T
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6603 − 12 D6603 − 19
Standard Specification for
Labeling of UV-Protective Textiles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6603; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This standard describes labeling requirements for textile products intended for the protection of humans from UVA and UVB
radiation.
1.2 This standard is not intended to be used for the labeling of medical-device sun protective fabrics and clothing whose labeling
is specified in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Draft Guidance for the Preparation of a Premarket Notification document.
1.3 The label requirements are in addition to those required by the Care Labeling Rule and fiber content (composition) labeling
acts (Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939, and The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act).
1.4 This document contains terminology to be used in the labeling of UV-protective textiles.
1.5 Labeling recommended in this specification will be based on UV protection UV-protection data collected by instrumental
methods.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D3938 Guide for Determining or Confirming Care Instructions for Apparel and Other Textile Products
D6544 Practice for Preparation of Textiles Prior to Ultraviolet (UV) Transmission Testing
2.2 AATCC Standards:
AATCC LP1 Home Laundering: Washing Machine
AATCC LP2 Home Laundering: Hand Washing
AATCC 16 TM16.3 Colorfastness to LightLight: Xenon Arc
AATCC 135 Dimensional Changes of Fabrics after Home Laundering
AATCC 162TM162 Colorfastness to Water: Chlorinated Pool
AATCC 172TM172 Colorfastness to Powdered Non-chlorine Bleach in Home Laundering
AATCC 183TM183 Transmittance or Blocking of ErythemallyErythermally Weighted Ultraviolet Radiation through Fabrics
AATCC TM188 Colorfastness to Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach in Home Laundering
2.3 Other Standards:
15 U.S.C., Chapter 2, Subchapter V, The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act
16 C.F.R. Part 303, Rules and Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act
15 U.S.C., Chapter 2, Subchapter III, et. seq., Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939
16 C.F.R. Part 303, Rules and Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act
16 C.F.R. Part 300, Rules and Regulations Under the Wool Products Identification Act
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.65 on UV Protective Fabrics and
Clothing.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2012July 1, 2019. Published February 2012August 2019. Originally approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 20112012 as
D6603D6603 – 12.–11. DOI: 10.1520/D6603-12.10.1520/D6603-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, http://www.aatcc.org.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6603 − 19
16 C.F.R Part 423, Care Labeling of Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods
AS/NZS 4399: 1996, Australian/New Zealand Standard Sun Protective Clothing – Evaluation and Classification
FDA Office of Device Evaluation, Draft Guidance for the Preparation of a Premarket Notification (510(K)) Submission for Sun
Protective Clothing, August 10, 1994
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms relating to UV protective Textiles UV-protective textiles refer to Terminology D123.
3.2 The following terms are relevant to this standard: UV protective UV-protective textile,ultraviolet protection factor (UPF),
and UV protection UV-protection categories.
3.3 For definition of other terms related to textiles, refer to Terminology D123.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This specification to labeling provides a uniform system of labeling on UV-protective textiles that informs consumers about
the amount of UV-protection provided.
4.2 UV-protective textiles labeled according to this standard will permit consumers to compare the amount of protection
provided by various textiles and purchase the product that best meets their sun protection needs.
4.3 UV-labeling is in addition to other required labeling of garments including Permanent Care Labels and fiber content
(composition) labels.
4.4 Manufacturers are encouraged to provide information to consumers that aids in selecting products that provide the amount
of UV-protection desired.
4.5 UV-protective textiles labeled according to this standard specification will be labeled with a UPF value. AATCC Test
Method 183 TM183 must be used to determine the mean UPF values of unprepared specimens, of specimens prepared using
Practice D6544 (prepared-for-testing specimens), and of specimens taken from garments labeled, “Wash once before wearing,”
these specimens being taken after the garment is laundered once according to label directions. The latter specimens are referred
to as laundered-once specimens in this document. A label UPF will be calculated for the various types of specimens following
directions provided in this document. Usually, the value to be placed on the product label will be the label UPF calculated for the
prepared-for-testing specimens or the label UPF calculated for the unprepared specimens, whichever is the lower value. In the case
of products to be labeled, “Wash once before wearing,” or similar wording, the UPF value to be placed on the product label will
be either the UPF calculated for the prepared-for-testing specimens or the laundered-once specimens, whichever value is the lower
one.
4.5.1 Discussion—The UPF value to be placed on a garment label needs to be the lowest protection value expected during
consumer use over a two-year period. Usually, this UPF value will be that obtained for the prepared-for-testing specimens because
they have been laundered 40 times and exposed to UV-radiation to simulate conditions expected to lower the UPF during consumer
use. However, for certain fabrics, knits in particular, the fabric manufacturer must tenter (stretch) the fabric to standard width for
the garment manufacturer. This process decreases the UPF of the fabric dramatically because the optical porosity, which has a
significant influence on UPF, is increased and does not represent the lowest UPF provided to the consumer because after the first
laundering shrinkage may restore the lost protection by reducing the optical porosity of the fabric. In these cases, the value to
compare to the prepared-for-testing value is logically that of laundered once specimens.
4.6 UV-protective labeling is intended to be used on textile products whose design or styling provides purposeful protection to
covered skin.
4.7 UV protective UV-protective labeling should be used on any, and all, fabrics or garments, or both, if those products make
a UV protective UV-protective claim as determined by this specification.
5. Determination of Mean UPF of Prepared-for-Testing Specimens
5.1 The determination of Mean UPF (UPF(UPF ) of prepared-for-testing specimens is based on measurements on specimens
m
that have been exposed to environments that may alter the transmittance of ultraviolet radiation through them. Fabric specimens
shall have been prepared for UV transmittance testing according to Practice D6544. All specimens shall be tested in the dry state.
For materials that are intended to be used where there is a likelihood that the garment will be worn wet, specimens may also be
tested in the wet state according to AATCC 183.TM183. If the end use product/garment is expected to be worn wet the purchaser
and supplier should agree upon whether a material should or should not be tested in the wet state.
5.2 The measurement site UPF (MS(MS ) is the arithmetic average of the UPFs obtained when a prepared-for-testing
UPF
specimen, is rotated in spectrophotometric equipment as directed in AATCC 183.The TM183. The MS shall be calculated for
UPF
the dry specimen, MS dry using Eq 1. Additionally the MS may also be calculated for the wet specimen, MS wet.
UPF UPF UPF
Available from Standards Australia, 1 the Crescent, Homebush NSW 2140 Australia and Standards New Zealand, Level 10, Standards House, 155 The Terrace, Wellington
0001, New Zealand.
D6603 − 19
UPF 5 UPF 1UPF 1….1UPF
1 2 N
MS 5 (1)
UPF
N
where:
N = the number of measurements at a site on the prepared-for-testing test specimen.
5.3 The test specimen UPF (TS(TS ) is the arithmetic average of the measurement site UPFs. Using Eq 2 Calculate MS
UPF UPF
for the dry specimen, TS dry and as needed the wet specimen, TS wet.
UPF UPF
UPF 1UPF 1….1UPF
1 2 N
TS 5 (2)
UPF
N
where:
N = the number of measurement sites.
5.4 The mean UPF (UPF(UPF ) is the arithmetic average of the prepared for testing test specimen UPFs. Using Eq 3 Calculate
m
UPF for the dry specimen ,specimen, UPF -dry and as needed the wet specimen, UPF -wet.
m m m
UPF 1UPF 1….1UPF
1 2 N
UPF 5 (3)
m
N
where:
N = the number of prepared-for-testing test specimens.
6. Determination of Mean UPF of Unprepared and Laundered-once Specimens
6.1 The Mean UPF (UPF(UPF ) must be calculated using the UPF specimen values of the unprepared specimens or the UPF
m
values of the laundered-once specimens. Proper sampling procedures as stated in Practice D6544 should have been followed in
selecting the yardage from which the unprepared specimens are taken and likewise proper sampling procedures should be followed
in selecting the garments to be laundered and from which the laundered-once specimens are taken.
6.2 The measurement site UPF (MS(MS ) is the arithmetic average of the UPFs obtained when an unprepared specimen or
UPF
laundered-once specimen, is rotated in spectrophotometric equipment as directed in AATCC 183.TM183. The formula to use is
that in 5.2 except that N = theN = the number of measurements at a site on the unprepared or laundered-once specimen.
6.3 The test specimen UPF (TS(TS ) is the arithmetic average of the measurement site UPFs. The formula to be used is that
UPF
in 5.3.
6.4 The mean UPF (UPF(UPF ) is the arithmetic average of the test specimen UPFs. The formula for calculating it is in Eq
m
3 except that N = theN = the number of unprepared or laundered-once test specimens.
7. Determination of the Standard Error in the Mean UPF
7.1 The standard deviation (SD) of the mean UPF should be calculated for the dry specimen, SD and as needed the wet
dry
specimen, SD as follows in Eq 4:
wet
N
~UPF 2 meanUPF!
( i
i51
SD 5 (4)
!
N 2 1
7.2 The Standard Error (E) in the mean UPF should be calculated for the dry specimen, E and as needed the wet specimen,
dry
E for the 99 % confidence level using Eq 5:
wet
τ SD
κα
E 5 (5)
=
N
where
τ = τ variate (α = 0.005)
κα
κ = N – 1
SD = Standard Deviation
N = number of specimens
NOTE 1—See Annex A1 for values for standard error equation based on the number of specimens.
8. Determination of UPF Value for Label
8.1 The UPF value to be placed on the label is the sample UPF minus the standard error (E) of the sample UPF, the result of
which has bee
...