European standards for protective gloves

CE marking of protective gloves

Protective gloves are personal protective equipment or PPE. PPE products are certified according to the European Directive 89/686/EC.
This directive determines the fundamental health and safety requirements with which products have to comply, and the procedures that have to be completed before placing a PPE product on the internal market. The visible indication of conformity is affixed with the CE mark.

New PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425

As of 21st April 2018, Directive 89/686/EEC will be repealed by the new Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment.

The new PPE Regulation is aligned to the New Legislative Framework policy. In addition, it slightly modifies the scope and the risk categorisation of products. It also clarifies the documentary obligations of economic operators. Products that are CE marked according to the Regulation (EU) 2016/425 can be placed on the market from 21st April 2018. From the 21st April 2019 all products placed on the market have to be certified and CE marked under Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

3 categories

Category I: PPE protection against minor risks
Category II: PPE protection against moderate risks
Category III: PPE protection against mortal injuries or irreversible harm

European standards

EN 420: General requirements for protective gloves
EN 374 (parts 1 to 3): Protective gloves against chemicals and microorganisms
AQL (penetration, air and water leak test):

Performance level: Level 3
Acceptable quality level unit: <0,65
Inspection level: G1

Performance level: Level 2
Acceptable quality level unit: <1,5
Inspection level: G1

Performance level: Level 1
Acceptable quality level unit: <4,0
Inspection level: S4