EN ISO 21420 Protective Gloves Standard — General Requirements and Test Methods

What Is EN ISO 21420:2020?

EN ISO 21420:2020 is the foundational standard for all protective gloves placed on the European market. It outlines the general requirements and test methods that apply across glove categories and risk levels. This includes specifications for glove design, material safety, comfort, dexterity, sizing, and the information provided with each product.

What the Standard Covers and how it is tested

EN ISO 21420:2020 sets out the general requirements and test methods that apply to all CE-marked protective gloves. These requirements ensure that gloves are safe to wear, fit for purpose, and clearly labeled for compliant use across industries.
Key areas of compliance include:

Design and Construction

• Gloves must be made to provide the protection they are intended for.
• They must be easy to put on and take off.
• Seams, edges, and materials must not cause harm during use.

Material Safety and Innocuousness

• The pH of the glove material must be between 3.5 and 9.5.
• Chromium VI content in leather gloves must be below 3 mg/kg.
• DMFa (Dimethylformamide) in polyurethane (PU) gloves must be below 1000 mg/kg.
• A list of known allergens must be available upon request.

Dexterity and Comfort

• Gloves must allow maximum finger mobility, given the level of protection required.
• Comfort and breathability should support prolonged wear.

Durability and Washability

• If laundry symbols are provided on the gloves, it means that the relevant performance tests required by the applicable standards have been carried out on the gloves both before and after they were subjected to the maximum recommended number of cleaning cycles, following the specified cleaning instructions.

Electrostatic Properties

• If claimed, gloves must be tested according to EN 16350:2014 to verify safe dissipation of static electricity.

Sizing and Fit

• Gloves must be available in standardized sizes and allow natural hand movement.

Marking and Labeling

• Each glove must display the CE mark, relevant standards, and manufacturer identification.
• If certified under Category III, the notified body’s four-digit code must appear after the CE mark (e.g., CE 0123).

Information for Use

Packaging and documentation must include instructions, limitations, and care guidelines.
These requirements are verified through standardized test methods conducted by accredited laboratories. Together, they form the basis for CE certification under the EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and support safe, compliant glove use across all risk categories.

Why EN ISO 21420:2020 Matters

This standard ensures that all protective gloves meet a consistent baseline of safety and usability—regardless of their specific hazard protection. It supports:

• Reliable product comparison across brands and models
• Safe material selection for prolonged skin contact
• Accurate sizing and fit for operational efficiency
• Trustworthy labeling that simplifies glove selection and compliance
• Clear certification pathways for CE marking under the EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425

Whether the safety glove is designed for cut resistance, chemical handling, heat protection, or cold insulation, EN ISO 21420:2020 ensures that the product meets essential safety and performance expectations.