High visibility certification ensures that workwear meets specific safety standards for visibility in hazardous environments. The certification system is based on the EN ISO 20471 standard, where clothing is classified into three levels based on the amount of fluorescent and reflective material.
High visibility certification acts somewhat like a quality stamp. It shows that the workwear functions in environments where visibility is crucial for safety.
The certification guarantees that the clothing contains sufficient fluorescent and reflective material. This makes the wearer visible in various lighting conditions, which seems quite obvious but is easy to overlook in practice.
Main purposes of the certification:
Construction, transport, logistics, and industry – this is where the need for certified high visibility clothing is greatest. Without the right certification, employers cannot guarantee that the clothing meets legal standards.
The certification involves quite rigorous testing of materials, construction, and durability. It is essential that the clothing remains reflective even after many washes and normal wear and tear.
The EN ISO 20471 standard is the foundation for high visibility certification. It divides garments into three classes based on the amount of visible material.
Class 1 requires at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent material. Class 2 requires 0.50 m² and class 3 requires a full 0.80 m².
| Class | Fluorescent Area | Reflective Tape | Usage Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.14 m² | 0.10 m | Low Risk |
| 2 | 0.50 m² | 0.13 m | Moderate Risk |
| 3 | 0.80 m² | 0.20 m | High Risk |
The Swedish Work Environment Authority ensures that the regulations keep pace with international standards. In 2025, they continue to push for stricter requirements, especially for construction and transport.
Certification bodies monitor that manufacturers comply with the regulations through inspections. This includes everything from testing reflective capability to color fastness and how the garments hold together.
Certified high visibility clothing must meet stringent requirements regarding materials, construction, and performance. Fluorescent colors should be visible from at least 500 meters in daylight. Reflective tape should provide visibility at 150 meters in darkness.
Key safety requirements:
The clothing is tested for abrasion resistance and weather resistance. It should function in both rain and rough conditions while maintaining safety.
The employer is responsible for ensuring that the correct class is used for the right job. Incorrect classification can, in the worst case, lead to workplace violations or accidents.
High visibility clothing goes through a fairly thorough process to become certified. Everything is governed by European standards to protect workers.
The process includes specific requirements for visibility, reflective materials, and three different protection classes depending on the usage.
EN ISO 20471 is the main standard for high visibility clothing within the EU. It has replaced the old EN 471 and is significantly stricter.
It specifies minimum areas of fluorescent background material. Class 1 requires at least 0.14 m² of visible material, class 2 requires 0.50 m², and class 3 requires 0.80 m².
Reflective tape must be at least 50 mm wide and positioned correctly on the body. It is actually more precise than one might think – the bands must follow the body's contours from both the front and back.
Fluorescent colors are limited to yellow, orange, or red. They provide the best visibility in different light conditions, and the material must retain its color even after many washes.
The classification is based on how much visible material the garment has in total. The higher the class, the better the visibility and protection.
Class 1 is used in low-risk environments with little traffic. Typical garments are reflective vests for warehouses or parking. This is sufficient where speeds are under 25 km/h.
Class 2 is suitable when the risk is slightly higher, such as on roads with traffic up to 60 km/h or construction sites near traffic. Here, more reflective material is required than in class 1.
Class 3 is for high-risk environments, such as highways or railways. Maximum visibility is required when speeds are high and traffic is complicated. Class 3 can be achieved through a single garment or by combining certified class 2 garments.
It begins with product development according to EN ISO 20471. The manufacturer designs the garment to meet the requirements for materials and placement.
Testing is conducted by accredited laboratories. They test everything from color fastness to reflective levels and durability. The material must withstand UV light, temperature fluctuations, and chemicals to simulate real-world conditions.
Technical documentation is compiled with test results and quality declarations. Everything must demonstrate that the garment meets the standards.
CE marking is granted after approved tests according to the PPE regulation 2016/425. This means that the garment meets EU safety requirements and can be sold within the union.
Ongoing control ensures that production maintains the certification level. The Swedish Work Environment Authority conducts spot checks to ensure that what is sold is genuinely certified.
Portwest
PW3 Hi-Vis Flexi Class 1 Joggers
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Portwest
Portwest
Hi-Vis 3-in-1 Contrast Lite Jacket
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Hi-Vis Breathable Rain Bib and Brace
Portwest
DX4 Hi-Vis Class 1 Detachable Holster Pocket Craft Trousers
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Portwest
Combined certification allows for the combination of different high visibility garments to achieve higher protection classes. CE marking and approvals are governed by regulations that ensure that combined systems truly maintain the safety level.
Combined certification means that different high visibility garments are tested and approved as a whole, not just individually. All components must be evaluated together.
The certification body checks how reflective materials, colors, and placement work together when the garments are used simultaneously. This is to ensure that the total visibility does not decrease just because different garments are combined.
Key factors in the combined certification process:
By combining class 1 and class 2 garments, you can actually achieve a class 3 certification if you wear them together. A class 2 vest with class 1 trousers is a classic example that often works to reach class 3.
Tranemo (and other brands) have specific combination tables that show which garments are actually approved to combine. It is a bit tricky, but the tables specify exactly which garments can be paired for the correct protection level.
| Garment Type | Class | Combination Possibility |
|---|---|---|
| High Visibility Vest | 2 | + Class 1 Trousers = Class 3 |
| High Visibility Jacket | 2 | + Class 1 Trousers = Class 3 |
| High Visibility Trousers | 1 | + Class 2 Top = Class 3 |
All high visibility garments sold within the EU must be CE marked – this is the basic requirement. The marking indicates that the garment meets safety requirements and contains information about the protection class, washing instructions, and usage area.
If you use combined certified combinations, they receive special markings that indicate exactly which garments are included. It is important to wear only those garments specified in the certification; otherwise, the protection class does not apply.
Contents of the CE Marking:
New work environment regulations and changed rules mean that the certification processes for high visibility clothing need to be updated. Material choices must follow the EN ISO 20471 standard, and many pitfalls can be avoided with the right documentation.
Reflective materials must meet retroreflection requirements according to EN ISO 20471. For class 3, at least 0.20 m² of reflective tape and 0.50 m² of fluorescent background material are needed.
The fabric's color intensity must hold up after at least 25 washes at 60°C. Approved colors? Yes, they are:
Tape placement is quite strict – horizontal bands should be at least 50 mm from the garment edge. Vertical bands should run from the shoulder to the waist without interruption.
Seams and attachment points are tested for tensile strength. Reflective materials must withstand at least 25 N. Material combinations are tested separately to ensure that everything holds together.
Incorrect documentation is the biggest culprit behind certification rejections. Test reports must show exact measurements for retroreflection, color, and material.
Many overlook how washing instructions affect certification. If the garment allows dry cleaning or bleaching, it can actually disqualify the entire process.
Insufficient marking is also common. CE marking, class designation, and washing instructions must be placed correctly and be legible after 50 washes.
Prototype deviations often cause issues. Small changes in seams or materials sometimes require re-certification – this is easy to miss.
Testing labs report that incorrect sampling from batches yields uneven results. Samples must truly represent the entire production, not just the best-looking examples.
The application process usually takes 8-12 weeks from start to approved certification. Do you want to launch in the summer? Then it’s high time to start in February.
Testing laboratories are often fully booked during February-April – that’s when most submit their applications. If you book after Easter, you can expect an additional 3-4 weeks of waiting.
Production stoppages during the summer also affect the timeline. Many testing labs have low staffing during weeks 26-32, so everything takes longer.
New work environment regulations are being rolled out gradually in 2025 and the final transition occurs in December. Existing certificates remain valid, but new applications will follow the new rules starting in March.
Year-end is always stressful – many want to get certifications completed before the financial closing. Applications in December can easily slip into January 2026, especially considering all the holidays.
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Using high visibility certified clothing correctly requires awareness of industry requirements, safety regulations, and new standards. It has become even more important now that certification rules are changing and employers need to adapt their routines.
The construction industry typically requires class 2 certified garments according to EN ISO 20471. On construction sites with heavy machinery and traffic, both fluorescent materials and reflective tape are needed.
The transport and logistics sector often invests in class 3 vests and jackets. Drivers and warehouse personnel working near vehicles or in darkness need maximum visibility from all directions.
Roadworks and railway environments have the toughest requirements – personnel must wear class 3 garments with extra large reflective areas.
| Industry | Recommended Class | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Sites | Class 2-3 | Full Body Visibility |
| Transport/Logistics | Class 2-3 | 360-Degree Visibility |
| Roadworks | Class 3 | Extended Reflective Areas |
Airports and ports may have their own special regulations with specific color codes and markings.
Employers have a statutory responsibility to provide certified high visibility clothing if the job requires it. The Swedish Work Environment Authority wants to see risk assessments that demonstrate the need for extra visibility.
Correct usage means that high visibility clothing should be worn visibly over other garments. Reflective bands must not be covered by tool bags or other items.
Regular inspection and maintenance are a must. Worn or faded garments quickly lose their protective effect.
Training of personnel is indeed a good investment. Everyone needs to know when and how to use high visibility clothing for the best effect.
Documentation of both deliveries and training is required during work environment inspections – no one escapes that.
New testing methods for retroreflection will be introduced in 2025 and will affect certification. Manufacturers must keep up and adapt production.
Digital marking systems are becoming more prevalent – QR codes and RFID tags make it easier to quickly check certification status.
Improved materials are coming through, with longer durability and better fluorescence. They withstand more washes without losing visibility.
Environmental requirements are becoming stricter, so sustainable materials and smarter production weigh heavier in certification.
Harmonized European standards make it easier to work across borders, especially for transport and construction.
To plan certification smartly, good calendars and simple tools are needed. Digital and printable resources make it easier to keep track of important dates.
A printable calendar for 2025 is indeed invaluable when planning certifications. It is essential to know when current certificates expire and not to postpone renewals.
Important dates to keep an eye on:
Many suppliers publish their own certification calendars. They show when new products are certified and when old ones need to be checked. It is indeed quite convenient to be able to download and print them for the office or workplace.
Checklists for high visibility certification ensure that no important step is missed. A simple checklist covers reflective materials, seams, and color fastness according to the latest standards.
Digital and printable documentation can include:
It is smart for companies to develop their own checklists tailored to their industry. Construction companies often place extra focus on sustainability and visibility.
Logistics companies, on the other hand, care more about comfort and freedom of movement. Printable forms make it easier for supervisors to document checks directly on-site—without having to carry a tablet.
Monthly 2025 calendar and yearly 2025 calendar help when planning certification processes to become a bit more manageable. Monthly calendars show deadlines, while yearly calendars provide the whole picture at once.
Structured planning can, for example, involve:
January-March: Inventory of existing high visibility clothing
April-June: Ordering new certified products
July-September: Replacing worn garments
October-December: Preparations for next year's needs
Some companies use color coding in their calendars to distinguish between different types of high visibility clothing. Orange for construction, yellow for road traffic, green for forestry—it actually becomes quite convenient to see what needs to be renewed when.
New requirements for high visibility certification in 2025 involve updated reflection standards and stricter control processes for high visibility clothing according to EN ISO 20471. Application procedures are now digital, and certification periods have been adjusted for better compliance in construction, transport, and logistics.
High visibility certification for 2025 requires that all high visibility clothing meets the EN ISO 20471 standard with improved reflective materials. At least 0.14 square meters of retroreflective material and 0.50 square meters of fluorescent background material are required for class 2.
New requirements also mean that the material must withstand 50 washes without significantly deteriorating visibility. The certification also covers color fastness and resistance to UV radiation.
Textiles must be tested for abrasion resistance and must retain reflective properties even after wear. Documentation of materials and manufacturing processes is essential when applying.
The application process is now entirely digital, and manufacturers submit documentation electronically. The processing time has been shortened to 4-6 weeks thanks to automated reviews.
The application must include technical specifications and test reports from accredited laboratories. Additionally, images of the product from at least four angles and exact measurements of reflective and fluorescent surfaces are required.
Costs have increased by approximately 15 percent to cover new testing procedures. Basic certification now costs 12,500 SEK, and renewal of a certification is 7,500 SEK.
The construction industry is most affected as everyone on the site must wear certified high visibility clothing according to the new regulations. The transport sector, especially outdoor truck and bus drivers, is subject to expanded requirements.
Logistics and warehouses where vehicles and pedestrians share space also face stricter clothing requirements. Municipal operations in road maintenance, park management, and waste management must now have higher certification levels for outdoor personnel.
Emergency services and ambulances have received stricter requirements for specially certified high visibility clothing with extra reflective details. Airport personnel and dockworkers are subject to industry-specific additional requirements.
Companies need routines for regular checks of personnel's high visibility clothing to ensure that the certification is always valid. Documentation of purchases and maintenance must be kept for at least three years.
Staff training on the use and care of the clothing is mandatory and should be documented. There should also be records of when each employee received their certified clothing and when it should be replaced.
Inspection of wear on reflective materials should be conducted monthly. It is wise to have spare clothing in stock so that work does not stop if something needs to be replaced.
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB is the main actor for high visibility certification in Sweden. They can be reached at 010-516 50 00 or via email: certification@ri.se.
SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, now part of RISE, handles technical evaluations and testing. The certification department is located at Brinellgatan 4 in Borås and accepts both digital and physical applications.
You can also use the official web portal where application forms are available. Advice on certification requirements is offered free of charge by phone on weekdays between 08:00-16:00.
High visibility certifications are valid for five years from the date of issue. They need to be renewed before they expire.
Renewal applications should preferably be submitted at least three months before the expiration date. This reduces the risk of interruptions in certification.
The renewal process involves submitting updated test reports. Additionally, documentation is required to show that the product continues to meet the necessary standards.
The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and does not replace manufacturer instructions or applicable regulations. Workwise does not guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or current and is not liable for decisions or actions taken based on this information. Always follow current standards and manufacturer instructions.