SEK Mark
The SEK Mark is a voluntary certification system that evaluates the antibacterial deodorizing, antibacterial, and antiviral functions of textile products according to prescribed test and labeling standards, and allows compliant products to bear the mark.
Contents5 sections
Definition and Overview
The SEK Mark is a certification system for functional labeling of textile products operated by the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council. It is not a legal regulation itself, but a system that permits prescribed labeling for products that meet specified test methods, performance standards, safety conditions, and other requirements.
Standards and labeling rules are established for each functional category, such as antibacterial deodorizing, antibacterial, and antiviral processing. Even for textiles described as antibacterial, the certified category and intended applications may differ, so it is important not to judge the performance range by the mark name alone.
Approach to Scope and Standards
SEK Mark evaluations are conducted according to the purpose of the processing, such as suppressing the growth of bacteria on textiles, suppressing the growth of bacteria that cause odors, or reducing specific viruses on textiles. It does not directly guarantee effects on the human body or infection prevention.
The certification covers specific textile products, including the processing content, rather than only the material name or structure such as woven or knit fabric. Therefore, even with the same material, whether certification labeling is allowed may vary depending on whether it has been processed, the processing conditions, the color, post-processing, and the manufacturing process into the final product.
- Antibacterial deodorizing focuses on suppressing the growth of bacteria that cause odors.
- Antibacterial refers to a category that evaluates broader suppression of bacterial growth according to the intended applications.
- Antiviral processing is an evaluation of processing that reduces viruses on textiles, and is not a label indicating treatment or prevention.
Points to Confirm in Fabric Procurement and Product Development
When procuring fabric, confirm with the supplier the SEK Mark category obtained, the product number, color, processing specifications, and scope of applications covered by the certification. A statement such as "can meet SEK standards" does not mean the product is already certified, so confirm separately whether it is certified or whether it can be supported for custom orders.
In product development, check whether downstream processes such as dyeing, printing, washing, or softening affect the function or the specifications covered by certification. If making claims for the entire product, including not only the outer fabric but also the lining and accessories, make clear in the specification sheet which part has which function.
- Certification category and the type of mark that may be used for labeling
- Certified product number, color, processing specifications, and applications
- Performance confirmation conditions, including after washing, and whether a test report is available
- Whether the labeling conditions are still met after secondary processing
Notes on Labeling and Certificates
The SEK Mark must be displayed in accordance with the certified product and the prescribed labeling method. Even if there are certification documents for a fabric, the mark cannot be transferred to another fabric or to a product outside the certification scope. When promoting functions on hangtags, product pages, or around care tags, use expressions that correspond to the certified category.
Certificates and test reports received from suppliers should be checked for the issuer, the certified product number, the certified function, the issue date, and the scope of application, and stored together with the product specification sheet. The SEK Mark differs in purpose and evaluation target from certifications such as OEKO-TEX and GOTS, which focus on chemical management and material origin.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a product has the SEK Mark, can I freely state antibacterial effects?
No, you cannot state them freely. The content that can be labeled must follow the scope of the certified functional category, the certified product, and the labeling method. Antibacterial deodorizing, antibacterial, and antiviral processing have different meanings, so check the certification documents and avoid expressions that suggest infection prevention or effects on the human body.
Are fabrics that comply with SEK standards and fabrics certified with the SEK Mark the same?
Not necessarily. SEK standard compliance may mean that the product can meet the standards depending on the processing agent and processing conditions. Certified, on the other hand, means that a specific product has gone through the prescribed procedures. When placing an order, confirm the certified product number and specifications on the certificate.
How should antibacterial deodorizing and antibacterial be selected?
Select according to the intended applications and the content of the labeling. For everyday clothing where the main concern is handling odor-causing bacteria, antibacterial deodorizing is considered. If there are hygiene management requirements that limit the applications more narrowly, antibacterial may be a candidate. Organize the required function, washing conditions, and labeling scope in advance.
