Key takeaways
- Each market has its own safety footwear standard: EN ISO 20345 (EU, UK), ASTM F2413 (USA), CSA Z195 (Canada), AS/NZS 2210.3 (Australia, NZ).
- EN ISO 20345:2022 moved slip resistance into the basic requirements, replaced WRU with WPA, added S6/S7 waterproof classes and split puncture marks into P, PS and PL.
- In the EU, safety footwear is PPE: it needs an EU type-examination by a notified body and CE marking under Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Your customers buy a safety shoe to pass an inspection, not just to protect a foot. Knowing the markings helps you ask the factory the right questions.
1. Which standard for which market?
| Market | Standard | Typical marking |
|---|---|---|
| EU, UK and many export markets | EN ISO 20345 | SB, S1, S1P, S3S, S3L, S7… |
| USA | ASTM F2413 | I/75 C/75, Mt, EH, PR… |
| Canada | CSA Z195 | Green triangle (toe + puncture plate) |
| Australia and New Zealand | AS/NZS 2210.3 | Safety footwear classes |
2. EN ISO 20345 classes in plain words
| Class | What it adds |
|---|---|
| SB | Basic safety footwear: 200 J toe cap |
| S1 | SB + closed heel, antistatic, energy-absorbing heel |
| S1P / S1PS / S1PL | S1 + puncture resistance (metal plate = P, non-metal = PS or PL) |
| S2 | S1 + water penetration and absorption resistance of the upper |
| S3 / S3S / S3L | S2 + puncture resistance + cleated outsole |
| S6 / S7 | Waterproof versions of S2 / S3 (new in 2022) |
3. What changed in the 2022 edition
- Slip resistance is now part of the basic requirements; the old SRA, SRB and SRC marks were removed.
- Water: WRU was replaced by WPA, and waterproof S2/S3 shoes became S6/S7.
- Puncture: P now means a metal plate only; non-metal inserts are PS or PL.
- Fuel oil (FO) resistance of the sole is now an additional marking.
Transition dates are reported differently by different sources — confirm with your certification body before you change your labels.
4. ASTM F2413 markings (USA)
- I/75 C/75: impact and compression rating of the protective toe.
- Mt: metatarsal protection.
- EH: electrical hazard resistant.
- SD / CD: static dissipative / conductive.
- PR: puncture resistant.
5. CE marking in the EU
Under Regulation (EU) 2016/425, safety footwear is Category II personal protective equipment. It needs an EU type-examination certificate from a notified body, a declaration of conformity and the CE mark. If you sell under your own brand, plan who holds the certificate before you order.
6. What to ask your factory
- Which standard and class has this exact model been tested to?
- Can I see the test report (lab, date, model number, sizes tested)?
- Is the toe cap steel or composite? Is the midsole plate metal or textile?
- Who will hold the certificate if I sell under my own brand?
We answer these per model with your quotation and never print a marking that is not backed by a valid report. Ask about a model.
General information, not legal advice.
Sources
Talk to a safety shoe factory
Send your models, quantities and target market — Rachel replies with FOB prices, stock and MOQ within one business day.
