[londons_explore]

We should remember that the certification processes for medical stuff are very long and extensive, yet even so a mask that allows 5% of air to leak round the edge of the mask will pass the certification!

Given that, I have no issues with using a fake mask. My manual fitting effort to reduce leakage around the mask will have far far more impact on health outcomes than the exact specifications of the way the ear straps go as required by high grade medical certifications...

It's time we de-emphasized product certifications and paperwork in favor of simply getting more products that mostly work into the hands of more people. Per dollar spent, far more people will have improved lives.

[pessimizer]

What assurance would you have that a product "mostly works" other than a certification by professionals? If we rely on common sense, we might as well all drink bleach.

[londons_explore]

Policies written with a more holistic view would say "lets spot check these masks, and for masks we find that is sub-par we will fine the importer some smallish amount that approximates the economic effect of the deficiency".

For example, if the standard says "must reduce particulates by 95%", yet the mask reduces particulates by 94%, then it might be reasonable to fine the importer (6-5)/5 = 20% of the value of the goods.

The key is to try to encourage all products to be as good as possible, without introducing months of delay and tens of thousands of dollars of paperwork for every product.