CE marking of workwear means that the manufacturer certifies that the product meets EU safety requirements for personal protective equipment. This applies to workwear designed to protect the user from risks at work.
The CE marking is a mandatory symbol that shows that the workwear meets EU requirements for health, environment, and safety. The mark functions somewhat like a passport for free movement in the European market.
The manufacturer or importer is responsible for ensuring that the product is tested and documented before the CE mark is applied. The marking only applies to products covered by specific EU regulations.
CE marking means that:
Workwear classified as personal protective equipment must be CE marked according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425. This applies to clothing designed to protect against risks at work.
Examples include reflective clothing, chemical-resistant clothing, and flame-retardant workwear. However, regular workwear without protective functions does not need to be CE marked.
The products must be tested by accredited testing institutes. The manufacturer must also prepare technical documentation showing how the product meets safety requirements.
CE marking of personal protective equipment serves as a quality stamp for both employers and employees. The marking shows that the workwear has been thoroughly tested to truly protect.
The mark reduces the risk of injuries at work by ensuring that the clothing does its job. This is especially important in industries where safety is crucial.
Benefits of CE marked protective equipment:
Workwear classified as personal protective equipment is governed by specific EU regulations. The technical documentation shows that the safety requirements are met.
Regulation (EU) 2016/425 governs all personal protective equipment sold within the EU, including workwear with protective properties. It replaced the old directive 89/686/EEC and came into effect on April 21, 2018.
The regulation applies to workwear that protects against:
Products are divided into three risk categories. Category I is minimal risk, category II is moderate risk, and category III is serious or life-threatening risks. Each category has its own testing and certification requirements.
The manufacturer has primary responsibility for CE marking and must ensure that the workwear meets the requirements. They must prepare technical documentation and issue an EU declaration of conformity.
Importers bringing workwear from countries outside the EU must verify that the manufacturer has followed the rules. They must ensure that CE marking is present, that the documentation is complete, and that the product is labeled in Swedish.
Distributors should only sell products that are correctly CE marked. They must be diligent and report any deficiencies. Everyone in the supply chain needs to cooperate with market surveillance authorities.
The technical documentation is proof that the workwear meets safety requirements. The documentation should include product description, risk analysis, relevant standards, and test results from approved laboratories.
Mandatory documents include:
The manufacturer must keep the documentation for at least ten years after the product has been released on the market. Importers should be able to present copies for the same duration, while distributors need to know where the products come from and where they are going.
The documentation must be in Swedish and available for inspection by the Swedish Work Environment Authority or other authorities if requested.
Personal protective equipment is divided into three categories based on risk level. Each category has its own requirements for CE marking and assessment.
Category I applies to personal protective equipment that protects against minimal risks where the user can determine if the protection works. This involves simple protective equipment such as sunglasses, basic workwear, and gloves for everyday use.
The manufacturer can self-declare that the product meets the requirements through an EU declaration of conformity. No external control is required here.
Typical products in category I:
The products must still meet basic health and safety requirements according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425. The CE marking shows that the rules have been followed.
Category II applies to protective equipment against moderate risks that are not included in category I or III. This is actually the largest group on the market.
Here, EU type approval by a notified body is required before the product can receive CE marking. The manufacturer must demonstrate that the product meets the requirements through documentation and testing according to standards.
Examples of category II products:
Notified bodies issue EU type approval certificates confirming that the design complies with the regulations. The manufacturer is still responsible for production.
Category III applies to advanced protective equipment that protects against serious risks, such as those that can lead to death or permanent injury. Here, the requirements are the toughest.
In addition to EU type approval, the manufacturer must undergo ongoing production monitoring. This can occur through production quality monitoring or final product inspection by a notified body.
Critical products in category III:
The identification number of the notified body must be placed next to the CE mark on category III products. This shows that quality monitoring is in place throughout production.
What is CE marking for workwear? CE marking for workwear shows that the product meets...
What are EN Classifications for Workwear? EN classifications are a system for assessing and classifying...
What are EN 342 Winter Workwear? EN 342 winter workwear consists of protective garments certified...
Top Swede
Top Swede
Portwest
Nantes Hi-Vis Contrast Work Coverall
Portwest
Top Swede
Top Swede
Top Swede
Top Swede
The certification process requires careful documentation and testing through approved notified bodies. The process depends on the protection classification, and several steps must be completed before CE marking becomes relevant.
It all starts with the manufacturer determining whether the product belongs to category I, II, or III based on risk level. Category I involves minimal risk and only requires self-declaration from the manufacturer.
Category II, on the other hand, requires type approval through a notified body. For category III, where it concerns protection against lethal danger, the process becomes significantly more extensive.
The manufacturer must conduct a risk assessment and determine which harmonized standards apply. This also includes preparing a technical construction file, user manual in Swedish, and an EU declaration of conformity.
The products are then sent to a notified body for testing and assessment. Once the certification is approved, a certificate valid for five years is issued.
For category III, annual follow-up inspections of the manufacturing process are also required to ensure that quality is maintained over time.
Notified bodies are independent testing institutes that have been authorized by authorities to carry out conformity assessments. The manufacturer can freely choose from approved bodies within the EU.
In Sweden, RISE is a well-known notified body for the certification of personal protective equipment. There are also German TÜV and French APAVE as alternatives.
The choice is often guided by expertise in various product areas, proximity, and sometimes cost. Some bodies may know more about protective clothing, while others specialize in respiratory protection or fall protection.
The notified body must verify that the products meet safety requirements according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425. They also conduct annual production inspections for category III products.
First, the technical documentation and construction file are reviewed. The notified body checks whether the design complies with safety requirements and harmonized standards such as EN ISO 20471 for high visibility clothing.
Physical tests are conducted on selected product samples. Here, tear strength and abrasion resistance are tested, for example.
Chemical tests ensure that protection against chemicals and pH values actually works. Ergonomics are also tested to ensure comfort and fit.
The products are also tested for temperature resistance and colorfastness. If the product passes all these tests, an EC type certificate is issued, and CE marking becomes possible.
The CE symbol, identification number of the notified body, and information according to Article 8 of the PPE regulation must be present on the product. Traceability requirements ensure that each product can be linked to the manufacturer.
CE marked workwear must meet specific standards and safety requirements according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment. Harmonized standards set the framework for testing methods and performance requirements, while safety requirements vary depending on the level of protection and use.
Harmonized standards are the foundation for CE marking of workwear in the EU. They contain detailed requirements for design, materials, manufacturing, and labeling.
EN ISO 13688 is the basic standard for all protective clothing and specifies requirements for ergonomics, sizes, labeling, and information from the manufacturer.
Other standards complement:
These standards specify testing methods to ensure quality and labeling requirements so users can see protection levels and limitations.
Safety requirements depend on which category the workwear belongs to. Category I applies to minimal risk, category II to moderate risk, and category III to high risk with potential fatal danger.
Basic requirements apply to all:
Category II clothing requires type approval by a notified body. This applies to most workwear that protects against mechanical impact, chemicals, or weather.
For category III, more extensive control and annual quality assurance are required. This includes clothing that protects against extreme temperatures, falls, or hazardous chemicals.
The manufacturer must document all safety requirements in technical documentation as a basis for the EU declaration of conformity.
The tests for workwear follow standardized procedures to provide comparable results. They are conducted at accredited laboratories approved under the PPE regulation.
Mechanical tests check for abrasion resistance, tear strength, and resistance to puncture. EN ISO 13688 sets minimum requirements for protective clothing, while EN 381 applies to chainsaw clothing.
Chemical tests assess the material's resistance to various substances. EN 13034 tests liquid penetration, EN ISO 6529 tests gas and vapor permeation.
Thermal tests include:
High visibility clothing is tested for visibility, retroreflection, and fluorescence according to EN ISO 20471. Both new and washed garments are tested to ensure performance is maintained.
The results are compiled in test reports that serve as the basis for CE marking. These reports must be kept for at least ten years after the product has been released on the market.
What is high visibility certification and why is it important in 2025? High visibility certification ensures that workwear meets specific safety standards for visibility in hazardous environments. The certification system...
Jesper Adolfsson |
Differences Between High-Visibility Vest and Jacket The choice between a high-visibility vest and a high-visibility jacket is primarily influenced by the requirements of the work environment, weather conditions, and the...
Filip Edvinsson |
New standards for workwear 2025: Overview and purpose The Swedish Work Environment Authority has implemented the most comprehensive regulatory renewal in decades. A completely new regulatory structure came into force...
Filip Östangård |
Workwear and personal protective equipment in industry, construction, and other tough work environments must meet clear safety standards. CE marking is a requirement for, among other things, fall protection, eye protection, and other critical PPE in workplaces.
Fall protection equipment is among the most important in workplaces where height is a risk. Safety harnesses, fall arrest systems, and rescue systems must be CE marked according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Construction workers working at heights use full-body harnesses with dorsal and frontal connection points. These products are category III and require extensive testing by a notified body.
Fall arrest lanyards and energy-absorbing components are also included. Examples of CE marked fall protection include:
The certification shows that the equipment meets dynamic load testing and fulfills ergonomic requirements. Marking and manufacturer information must be present on the label, along with relevant EN standards.
Safety glasses and similar items are an obvious part of personal protective equipment in many professions. CE marking guarantees protection against, among other things, chemical splashes, particles, and sometimes radiation.
Welders use automatic light-arc welding filters with variable transmittance, CE marked according to EN 379. Laboratory workers wear safety glasses against chemicals, tested according to EN 166.
Examples of CE marked eye protection include:
The marking indicates the level of protection with numerical codes showing which risks the product covers. Performance must be tested by accredited laboratories before CE marking can be used.
More than just fall protection and eye protection is needed in the workplace. Respiratory protection, hearing protection, and protective gloves are also crucial and must be CE marked.
Industrial workers in chemistry use respirators with particulate filters or gas filters depending on the risk. Protective gloves range from simple to chemical-resistant models.
Hearing protection can be earplugs or earmuffs, depending on noise levels. Examples of CE marked equipment include:
Each category has its own testing requirements and pre-standards. Distributors and users can verify CE marking through product documentation and the placement of the marking on the equipment.
CE approved workwear must have clear marking and traceability throughout the distribution chain. The manufacturer must ensure that each garment can be identified through specific numbers and that all important information is present on both the product and packaging.
Each CE marked work garment should have unique identification details that enable traceability. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to assign product numbers that link the garment to technical documentation and conformity assessment.
Product numbers indicate the exact model and variant. They link the garment to its properties, test results, and approvals.
Batch numbers or serial numbers indicate which production batch the garment comes from. This way, one can trace the manufacturing date, materials, and quality controls for that specific batch.
This information must be:
The CE marking must be present on the product, packaging, and in the user instructions according to the regulations. The marking must be visible and durable so that identification always works.
On the product, it should state:
On the packaging, there should be more information about the product's properties and intended use. Here one can find technical specifications, protection levels, and any limitations.
User instructions must accompany the product and contain details on how the garment should be used, maintained, and stored.
CE marking of workwear entails a lot of responsibility for various actors in the chain. Compliance requires constant oversight from both authorities and companies.
The manufacturer bears the primary responsibility for CE marking. They need to ensure that the products comply with all EU directives and regulations before marking. This involves risk assessments, testing according to standards, and technical documentation.
The importer assumes responsibility if products from countries outside the EU are not correctly CE marked. They must check that workwear from third countries meets EU requirements before import. If CE marking is missing, the importer must rectify this and ensure compliance with the rules.
The distributor has more limited responsibility but needs to check that workwear is correctly CE marked before sale. They should also report safety issues to the manufacturer or importer.
It can get confusing when responsibility shifts, especially with imports from outside the EU where documentation is sometimes missing or incorrect.
Authorities conduct regular checks of CE marked workwear on the market. The Swedish Work Environment Authority and other supervisory authorities may request documentation, test products, and take action against those that do not meet standards.
Common violations include:
Companies that mismanage risk fines, recalls, or sales bans. Third-party organizations review more advanced workwear and issue certificates.
Market surveillance can occur at any time. The manufacturer must be able to show documentation that supports compliance throughout the product's lifecycle.
CE marking of workwear is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Specific tests, documentation, and conformity processes are required depending on the level of protection and intended use.
Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment is the fundamental requirement for CE marking of workwear. All personal protective equipment sold within the EU and EEA must be CE marked.
Workwear classified as personal protective equipment must meet basic health and safety requirements. The products must undergo the correct conformity assessment process before they can be CE marked.
Manufacturers and importers are responsible for ensuring that the products comply with all requirements. National legislation in EU countries must incorporate these directives.
It begins with classifying the workwear according to risk category I, II, or III. Category I products (low risk) can be self-declared by the manufacturer.
Category II requires EU type approval through a notified body. Category III (high risk) must undergo EU type approval plus either production control or quality assurance of the process.
Notified bodies such as RISE can conduct assessments and issue documentation. After a successful assessment, the manufacturer can CE mark the product.
Testing is conducted according to harmonized EN standards that set requirements for design, materials, and final products. The requirements vary depending on the type of protection and use.
Mechanical risks are tested according to EN ISO 13688 and other standards for various protections. Chemical protection is tested for penetration and permeation according to relevant EN standards.
Thermal protection is assessed based on standards for flame resistance, melting behavior, and insulation. Ergonomics, such as comfort and freedom of movement, are also included in the assessment.
No, only workwear that is personal protective equipment must be CE marked. Regular workwear without protective functions is not covered by the PPE regulation.
Clothing that primarily protects against weather or is used in occupations without specific risks does not require CE marking. This applies to uniforms, service clothing, and office clothing.
Protective clothing against mechanical, chemical, thermal, or other risks must, however, be CE marked. Examples include reflective clothing, flame-retardant garments, and chemical protection.
The CE marking does not have a formal expiration date, but the manufacturer must ensure that the product always complies with current requirements. Standards may change and affect the requirements.
For category III products, ongoing monitoring of production by a notified body is required. This means regular checks of quality systems and processes.
Market surveillance can occur at any time. The manufacturer must be able to present documentation that verifies compliance throughout the product's lifecycle.
The EU declaration of conformity is essentially the central document and must accompany each product. It shows which requirements have been met and which standards have been used.
Technical documentation must also be available. This includes risk analysis, product specifications, test reports, and information about manufacturing.
For category II and III, certificates from a notified body are also required. This is a requirement that is often overlooked.
User instructions in Swedish must accompany the product and contain information on use, maintenance, and limitations.
The manufacturer must keep all documentation for at least ten years after the product has been released on the market. This may seem like a long time, but the rules are clear on this.
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.