01
What does the EN 388 code on a glove mean?
The EN 388 code is a row of four digits, then a letter, then an optional "P". Each position is the result of one mechanical test. The current version is EN 388:2016+A1:2018, and "X" in any position means the test was not done or does not apply.
| Position | Test | Levels | Minimum for each level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abrasion | 0–4 or X | 100 / 500 / 2,000 / 8,000 cycles |
| 2 | Coupe blade cut | 0–5 or X | Index 1.2 / 2.5 / 5.0 / 10.0 / 20.0 |
| 3 | Tear | 0–4 or X | 10 / 25 / 50 / 75 N |
| 4 | Puncture | 0–4 or X | 20 / 60 / 100 / 150 N |
| 5 | TDM cut (EN ISO 13997) | A–F or X | 2 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 22 / 30 N |
| 6 (optional) | Impact (EN 13594 method) | P or blank | Pass: mean transmitted force 7.0 kN or less, no single result above 9.0 kN |
Level thresholds as published by Ejendals, a glove maker; the code structure and the 0–4 / 0–5 scales are from Uvex and a BSI explainer hosted by CLAD Safety. The standard itself is paywalled.
The TDM letter is mandatory when the coupe blade dulls during the test. In that case, the coupe position often shows "X" and the letter is the cut result to use. For example, the code 4X42C reads: abrasion level 4, coupe not valid, tear level 4, puncture level 2, TDM cut level C.
02
What is EN ISO 21420, and has it replaced EN 420?
EN ISO 21420 sets the general requirements every protective glove must meet, and it replaces EN 420 as the harmonised standard. In the European Commission's list, EN ISO 21420:2020+A1:2024 has legal effect from June 16, 2026. EN 420:2003+A1:2009 stops giving presumption of conformity on December 16, 2027.
SATRA, a test house, notes that EN ISO 21420 applies to gloves in all PPE categories. A spec sheet written today should cite "EN ISO 21420:2020+A1:2024", not "EN 420". Check the current list before you print a standard on packaging.
03
What do the EN 407 heat ratings mean?
EN 407 rates protection against heat and fire with up to six digits, one per test. Each digit is a level from 1 to 4, or "X" if not tested.
| Digit | Test |
|---|---|
| 1 | Burning behaviour (limited flame spread) |
| 2 | Contact heat |
| 3 | Convective heat |
| 4 | Radiant heat |
| 5 | Small splashes of molten metal |
| 6 | Large quantities of molten metal |
04
What is the difference between EN 12477 Type A and Type B welding gloves?
Type A welding gloves give more protection, and Type B gloves give more dexterity, for example for TIG welding. EN 12477 sets minimum EN 388 and EN 407 levels for each type. It is listed in the Official Journal as EN 12477:2001 with amendment EN 12477:2001/A1:2005.
| Requirement | Type A | Type B |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasion (EN 388) | 2 | 1 |
| Blade cut (EN 388) | 1 | 1 |
| Tear (EN 388) | 2 | 1 |
| Puncture (EN 388) | 2 | 1 |
| Burning behaviour (EN 407) | 3 | 2 |
| Contact heat (EN 407) | 1 | 1 |
| Convective heat (EN 407) | 2 | Not required |
| Small molten metal splashes (EN 407) | 3 | 2 |
| Dexterity | 1 | 4 |
05
How do ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 cut levels A1–A9 work?
ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 grades cut resistance from A1 (lowest) to A9 (highest). Each level is set by the cutting force, in grams-force, that the material resists. The 2024 edition, released by ISEA in November 2024, adds a pentagon pictogram showing cut, abrasion and puncture, with "X" for not tested.
| Cut level | Minimum cutting force (gf) |
|---|---|
| A1 | 200 |
| A2 | 500 |
| A3 | 1,000 |
| A4 | 1,500 |
| A5 | 2,200 |
| A6 | 3,000 |
| A7 | 4,000 |
| A8 | 5,000 |
| A9 | 6,000 |
ISEA says the correct reference is "ANSI/ISEA 105-2024". Terms like "ANSI Cut" or "ANSI 105" should not be used, and a glove is never "ANSI certified": the ANSI mark must not imply certification. HexArmor's explainer adds that puncture is scored 0 to 5 on the pentagon.
What does ANSI/ISEA 138 test? ANSI/ISEA 138-2019 is the US standard for impact protection on the back of the hand, graded in Levels 1–3. It is separate from ANSI/ISEA 105, so a glove can have a cut level and an impact level from two different reports.
06
How are gloves classified under the EU PPE Regulation?
Regulation (EU) 2016/425 sorts PPE into three risk categories, and each category has its own conformity route.
| Category | Risk | Conformity route |
|---|---|---|
| I | Minimal risks, for example superficial mechanical injury or hot surfaces up to 50 °C | Internal production control (Module A) |
| II | Everything not in I or III | EU type-examination by a notified body (Module B) plus Module C |
| III | Very serious consequences, for example heat of 100 °C or more, electric shock, chainsaw cuts | Module B plus C2 or D |
The Commission's PPE guidelines (5th edition, October 2025) give glove examples:
| Glove | Status in the Commission's guide |
|---|---|
| Gloves designed to protect the hand | Category II by default |
| Some welders' gloves (electrical, or heat of 100 °C or more) | Category III |
| Gardening gloves; bag gloves for boxing | Category I |
| Boxing gloves | Not PPE |
| Sport gloves for grip, stability or comfort | Not PPE |
| Private-use gloves against weather or cold | Not PPE |
The guidelines are not legally binding. Confirm borderline products with a notified body.
07
Do CE and UKCA marks both work in Great Britain?
Yes. UK guidance (updated March 24, 2025) says regulations in force from October 1, 2024 extend recognition of CE marking in Great Britain indefinitely, so either CE or UKCA can be used there. CE marking stays mandatory for Northern Ireland. A UK importer bringing PPE in from outside the UK must show its name and postal address on the PPE; for goods from the EEA or Switzerland, this can go on the packaging or an accompanying document until December 31, 2027.
08
Which standard applies in Australia and New Zealand?
AU/NZ uses the AS/NZS 2161 series for occupational gloves. Part 2:2020, the general requirements, is ISO 21420:2020 modified. Other parts cover chemicals, mechanical risks and more. We have not confirmed whether AU/NZ buyers accept EN 388 reports in place of AS/NZS 2161 testing, so ask your buyer.
09
Do non-PPE gloves still have EU rules?
Yes. Consumer gloves that are not PPE, such as sport gloves designed only for grip, fall under the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, which has applied since December 13, 2024. Every product it covers must have a responsible person in the EU, whose details are clearly shown on the product, its packaging or an accompanying document (Irish CCPC).
10
How do I read a glove test report or Declaration of Conformity?
Check that every document names the exact glove model you are buying. A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is the manufacturer's own declaration, not a quality certificate. An EU type-examination certificate comes from a notified body and is valid for a maximum of five years.
| Document | What to check |
|---|---|
| Test report | Lab name, report number, date, glove model, standard with its year, and each result (for example EN 388 4X42C) |
| EU type-examination certificate (Cat II and III) | Notified body name and 4-digit number, certificate number, model, expiry date (5 years maximum) |
| Notified body | Listed in the EU NANDO database, with Regulation 2016/425 in its scope |
| EU Declaration of Conformity | Manufacturer, model, regulation, standards; supplied with the glove or at a web address that stays live for the glove's lifetime |
| CE mark (Cat III) | Followed by the notified body's identification number |
Manufacturers must keep the technical documentation and the DoC for 10 years. The Commission says "voluntary or other additional certificates are not a recognised means to prove compliance."
11
What documents should I ask a glove factory for?
Ask for the test report or certificate for the exact model you will buy, not for a similar glove. Then check it against the table above before you print any code or mark on your packaging.
UMIRX makes work, mechanic and impact gloves to order in Sialkot, Pakistan. Our certificates are available on request. We print a standard or code on a glove only when a test report exists for that model. See our work gloves or certifications, or send your spec sheet.