Overview

Amazon requires that filtering facepiece respirators sold on its marketplace carry proper NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approval. This policy ensures that customers receive genuine, safety-tested respiratory protection products rather than counterfeit or non-compliant alternatives. Sellers offering these products must understand the specific labeling, certification, and listing requirements to remain compliant and avoid enforcement actions.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• NIOSH approval is mandatory — Any filtering facepiece respirator listed on Amazon must carry valid NIOSH certification. Products without proper approval markings are subject to removal and potential account consequences.
• Specific markings are required — Approved respirators must display the manufacturer's business name or registered trademark, the word "NIOSH" in block letters or the official NIOSH logo, the NIOSH Testing and Certification approval number (format: TC-84A-XXXX), and the filter series and efficiency level (e.g., N95, N99, N100, R95, P95, P99, P100).
• Model and lot numbers must be present — Each respirator must also include a model number or part number for traceability and identification purposes.
• Respirators have specific limitations — Not all filtering facepiece respirators protect against every type of airborne hazard. A dust-rated respirator, for example, will not protect users against gases, vapors, or very fine particles from fumes or smoke.
• NIOSH is the certifying authority — NIOSH operates as a research agency under the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), within the Department of Health and Human Services. It is the only U.S. federal agency authorized to approve filtering facepiece respirators.

Understanding Filtering Facepiece Respirators

A filtering facepiece respirator is a personal protective device designed to cover the nose and mouth, filtering out airborne particles to protect the wearer's lungs. These devices are commonly used for protection against dusts, sprays, and wildfire smoke, among other particulate hazards. Sellers should understand that respirators are rated by filter series (N, R, or P) and efficiency level (95, 99, or 100), with each combination offering different levels of protection. The "N" series filters are not resistant to oil-based particles, "R" series are somewhat resistant to oil, and "P" series are strongly resistant to oil. The efficiency number indicates the minimum percentage of airborne particles the filter will capture during testing.