UVE rating swing tags for shade fabrics
Why test the UVE of shade fabric?
Materials with a high UVE rating offer better sun protection when used as shade structures. A UVE rating of 95+ is most effective. If you supply shade fabrics to schools, workplaces or public places, a high UVE rating can offer customers peace of mind.
Our swing tags (UVE labels) can also help customers quickly identify high performing shade products. This could be useful if you sell umbrellas, beach tents, camping gazebos or shade structures. Swing tags help you market your products with confidence.
How does the ARPANSA fabric testing service work?
Step 1. Test your product for sun protection
Complete the shade fabric testing request webform and send samples to us for testing
Samples must be at least 1 metre by 1 metre in size
We test your products in 10 business days, usually less
- You'll receive the results of your UVE testing via email.
Step 2. Apply for a licence to use the sun protection trade mark
Fill out the trade mark application form
Gain approval to use the swing tags.
Step 3. Order swing tag to label your shade products
Once you have gained approval, you can order swing tags and start using them on your products.
How much does UVE testing cost?
| Number of samples | Cost per sample (including Australian GST) | Cost per sample (excluding Australian GST) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 10 | $219.00 | $199.09 |
| More than 10 | $186.00 | $169.09 |
Prices quoted are in Australian dollars.
Payment is in Australian dollars.
How long will it take?
It takes up to 10 working days for ARPANSA to test the samples and provide a result.
To what standard do you test?
We follow the Australian standard AS4174:2018 for Knitted and woven shade fabrics. This standard is available from Standards Australia.
We are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authority (NATA).
What products use UVE ratings and swing tags?
A range of shade products use the UVE swing tag, including:
- umbrella
- outdoor umbrella
- beach tent
- shade awnings
- outdoor camping gazebos and sun shades.
Where do I send samples for testing?
You can send your shade fabric samples to:
UVR Services
ARPANSA
619 Lower Plenty Road
Yallambie VIC 3085
Australia
Case study - Casey's shade shop
Casey owns an online shop selling umbrellas and shade structures. Guaranteeing the sun protection of their material can help to sell the umbrellas.
- Casey tests 5 variations of shade cloth at a cost of $1,095
- Casey wants to market the umbrellas with swing tags
- Casey applies for a licence at a cost of $390
- Casey orders 500 swing tags at a cost of $57.50
- Casey’s total out of pocket expense is $1,542.50
- the total swing tag price per shade structure is $3.09
Which rating system do we use for shade structures?
We follow the Australian Standard AS4174:2018: Knitted and Woven Shade Fabrics which is the most appropriate standard for testing shade fabrics intended for sun protection for horticultural and human applications. Products tested to this standard will be issued with an Ultraviolet Effectiveness (UVE%) rating. This is a protection factor rating expressed as a percentage.
Historically, the standard AS/NZS 4399:2017: Sun protective clothing, was also used for shade fabrics. This standard uses an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating system. However, AS/NZS 4399:2017 states:
"Products such as umbrellas and shade structures which are not in close proximity to the skin will provide a lesser degree of protection..."
This is due to the amount of scattered radiation that could enter from around the edges of the product. Because of this, AS/NZS 4399:2017 is no longer appropriate for evaluating such items and the use of UPF rating will be incorrect.
Terms and conditions
Terms and conditions for service and conditions for test samples
Sample shade fabric test report
Re-issue of test reports
If you require changes to a test report after it has been issued, a processing charge of $35 per report will apply.
