EN 420
EN 420 (Protective gloves - General requirements and test methods) was the base standard for all protective gloves, defining general requirements for design, harmlessness, dexterity, marking, and user information.
The standard was fully replaced and withdrawn by EN ISO 21420:2020. Key differences:
EN 420 (withdrawn):
- Dexterity by Method 1 (picking up pins)
- No explicit requirements for water absorption or permeability
- Older marking requirements
EN ISO 21420:2020 (current replacement):
- Extended scope
- Updated test methods (dexterity, comfort)
- Harmonisation with international ISO requirements
- Updated marking requirements
Practical consequences:
- Products whose CE marking is still based on EN 420 must be updated to EN ISO 21420 at the next renewal
- Test results based on EN 420 are no longer acceptable for new conformity assessments
- EU Official Journal: EN 420 is no longer listed as a harmonised standard
Frequently asked questions
Can I still sell gloves certified to EN 420?
Gloves with still-valid certificates based on EN 420 may under certain circumstances still be sold. For new conformity assessments and new products, EN ISO 21420 is mandatory. On renewal or modification of certificates, transition to EN ISO 21420 is compulsory.
What changed substantively between EN 420 and EN ISO 21420?
EN ISO 21420 extended the scope, updated test methods (including the dexterity test), and aligned with international ISO standards. Marking requirements were made more precise.
Is EN 420 still listed in the EU Official Journal of harmonised standards?
No. EN 420 was removed from the harmonised standards list for the PPE Regulation. Only EN ISO 21420 now confers a presumption of conformity for general protective glove requirements.