Following the publication of Recommendation (EU) 2020/403 of 13 March 2020 on conformity assessment and market surveillance procedures within the context of the COVID-19 threat, on 30 March 2020, the European Commission published guidelines to assist manufacturers of masks and other personal protective equipment, hand cleaners and hand disinfectants and 3D printing.

The document Commission's recommendation on conformity assessment of Personal Protective Equipment is intended for potential manufacturers of protective equipment. It details applicable EU legal frameworks for protective equipment and offers manufacturers' advice on the concrete steps to take in order to be able to place their products on the EU market.

The guidance on the applicable legislation for leave-on hand cleaners and hand disinfectants (gel, solution, etc.) aims at responding to frequent questions the Commission is receiving from operators. It contains information and guidance on the applicable EU legal framework in the case of alcohol-based solutions, gels, hand cleaners and hand disinfectants.

Guidance on conformity assessment procedures for 3D printing and 3D printed products for medical use in the context of the coronavirus outbreak provides information on the conformity assessment procedures for 3D printing and 3D printed products. The document aims to detail the applicable EU legal frameworks for those products and sets out examples of technical standards which manufacturers may use in order to place compliant products on the EU market.