What is BS EN 340 / EN ISO 13688?
BS EN 340 (superseded and harmonized as EN ISO 13688) specifies the general performance requirements for ergonomics, innocuousness, size designation, aging, compatibility, and marking of protective clothing.
It serves as the universal foundational standard across Europe. Any specialized protective garment (whether flame-retardant EN 11612, high-visibility EN 20471, or chemical protective EN 13034) must first satisfy EN ISO 13688.
Core Essential General Requirements
- Innocuousness & Chemical Safety: Free from harmful substances; strict limits on skin-irritating pH (between 3.5 and 9.5), Azo dyes, nickel release, and chromium VI.
- Ergonomic Design: Garments must not impede physiological functions or cause discomfort, irritation, or injury during use.
- Dimensional Stability After Washing: Ensuring garments do not shrink or distort beyond tolerance limits over repeated wash cycles.
- Standardized Sizing Designation: Clear labeling using European height and chest/waist pictograms for accurate user fit.
- Information Supplied by Manufacturer: Comprehensive user instruction leaflet in official languages of destination markets.
Commercial Benefits
- Universal Gateway to CE Marking: Unlocks certification for all specific European protective garment categories.
- Textile Export Credibility: Reassures international workwear brands regarding non-toxicity and dimensional stability.
- Fewer Quality Rejections: Eliminates customer returns caused by color bleeding, harsh chemicals, or irregular sizing.
Step-by-Step Certification Process with Gitchia
Our transparent certification pathway ensures seamless compliance without disrupting daily operations. Access the complete step-by-step audit guidelines or apply directly online:
