Latexfrei
Latex-free means a product contains no natural rubber latex from Hevea brasiliensis. This removes the risk of an IgE-mediated Type I immediate allergy to latex proteins.
Labelling: EN ISO 15223-1 provides a symbol for "contains natural rubber latex" and its crossed-out variant. Under MDR (EU) 2017/745 Annex I Chapter III, the manufacturer must declare when a product contains natural latex. The positive claim "latex-free" is by contrast a voluntary manufacturer statement.
Key distinction: latex-free is not the same as accelerator-free. Nitrile gloves are latex-free but typically contain thiurams, dithiocarbamates or benzothiazoles, which can trigger Type IV contact allergy. Individuals with both allergy profiles need gloves that are both latex-free and accelerator-free, such as TPE.
Note: claims such as "hypoallergenic" are not normatively defined and do not replace a material declaration.
Frequently asked questions
Does latex-free also mean allergy-free?
No. Latex-free only excludes Type I allergy to natural latex proteins. Vulcanisation accelerators such as thiurams or carbamates can still trigger Type IV contact allergy. Accelerator-free gloves are additionally required for that.
Which glove materials are latex-free?
Must natural latex be declared on the packaging?
Yes. Under MDR (EU) 2017/745 Annex I Chapter III the manufacturer must declare when a product contains natural rubber latex. The reverse claim "latex-free" is voluntary and remains the manufacturer's responsibility.