The new series of standards for safety glasses – what you should know now
For over 20 years, EN 166 has been the basis for the certification of eye protection products. It is now being replaced by the modernised and internationally coordinated EN ISO 16321. For companies, this means new test criteria, better fit tests and clearer labelling.
In this article, you will learn what is changing in concrete terms – and what you should pay attention to when making your selection in the future.
Why was the standard changed?
Modern workplaces place new demands on eye protection: different head shapes, new technologies and extended areas of application make it necessary to update. EN ISO 16321 takes these developments into account – for more practical relevance, wearing comfort and safety.
What replaces what? – The overview of the change in standards
| Previous standard | Replaced by | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| EN 166:2001 – General requirements | EN ISO 16321-1 | New test methods, differentiated head shapes, marking |
| EN 169–172 (filter) | EN ISO 16321-2 | UV, IR, welder and sun protection filters merged |
| EN 379 – Automatic welding filters | EN ISO 16321-2 | Part of the new filter tests |
| – | EN ISO 16321-3 | New: Mesh and grille visors |
| EN 175 – Face protection during welding | remains valid | Own norm remains in place |
| EN 207 / 208 – Laser protection | not affected | Own norm remains in place |
| EN 173 / EN 1836 – Sunglasses (non-industrial) | not affected | No relevance for PPE |
Hint: Products with valid EN 166 certification may continue to be sold and used until the expiry of the respective certificate.
Transitional period: What applies until when?
- Until 11.11.2025: Products may still be certified according to EN 166.
- From 11.11.2025: New products must comply with EN ISO 16321.
EN 166 certificates that have already been issued remain valid until expiry – they do not automatically lose their validity.
New focal points in EN ISO 16321
The new standard goes much further than its predecessor: it focuses more strongly not only on fit and field of vision, but also on material quality and durability.
In the future, glasses will have to prove that they remain resistant in the long term – against scratches, chemicals and material aging. This ensures greater safety in everyday life, a longer service life and shorter replacement cycles.
For companies, this means more predictable procurement, better quality assurance and more sustainable PPE use.
Aim of fit tests in EN ISO 16321
The standard stipulates that safety glasses must be tested with different head shapes. The goal is for a model to fit as many users as possible without the need for separate sizes.
- Adjustable temples or headband widths
- flexible nose bridges
- ergonomic frame shapes
This ensures that safety glasses are suitable for a wide range of users – with better wearing comfort and a secure fit in everyday work.
New markings in EN ISO 16321 – what they mean
With the introduction of the new standard, labelling for eye protection products has also been revised and expanded. In the future, they will provide more precise information about tested properties and make it easier to select the right model.
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| K | Surface resistance to small particles (scratch protection) |
| N | Anti-fog properties (anti-fog) |
| 3 | Protection against liquid splashes or drops |
| CH | Resistance to chemicals (newly introduced) |
In addition, EN ISO 16321 prescribes clearer marking on the frame and viewing panel. This makes it easier for security officers and buyers to select products specifically according to their area of application – and increases transparency in procurement.
What to look for when shopping
When procuring new safety glasses or visors, pay attention to these criteria:
- Standard information on the product: Is EN ISO 16321 (Part 1, 2 or 3) already indicated?
- Fit test: Has the product been tested with multiple head shapes? This increases wearing comfort.
- Symbols & Markings: Pay attention to indications such as "liquid protection", "mesh visor" or "ESD" – depending on the area of application.
- Material resistance: Products with anti-fog or scratch protection (K/N) marking offer higher benefits in the long term.
This is the only way to ensure that your personal protective equipment is not only standard-compliant, but also tried and tested in practice.
Conclusion: Well prepared for the future
EN ISO 16321 brings modernized test standards, clearer structures and better wearing comfort. Products with existing EN 166 certification may continue to be used – but it is worthwhile to pay attention to the new standard today when purchasing new products.
In this way, you can protect yourself and your employees in good time and remain compliant with future requirements. In the long term, you will also benefit from longer-lasting, more resilient products and clearly comprehensible quality standards.
AAV tip for your safety
The new EN ISO 16321 not only brings new requirements – but also more transparency. Ours AAV Expert Advice will be happy to help you find the right safety goggles or visor for your area of application.
We help you to understand standards correctly and to implement them in a practical way – so that safety does not just remain a regulation, but becomes a daily routine.
Contact us now
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