International Safety Footwear Certification Standards

ASTM F2413 and EN ISO 20345:2021 Overview

1. Introduction

Safety footwear certification is regulated at regional level, and no single certification is legally valid worldwide. Each market adopts its own standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), particularly for professional and workplace use.

In North America, the primary reference standard is ASTM F2413, while in Europe the regulatory framework is based on the EN ISO 20345:2021 standard combined with CE marking.

Both standards define performance requirements related to impact resistance, compression resistance, slip resistance, and electrical protection, although they remain legally independent certifications.

2. ASTM F2413 Standard (United States)

The ASTM F2413 standard is the primary safety footwear certification used in the United States and is commonly referenced by OSHA regulations for workplace safety.

ASTM F2413 establishes minimum performance requirements for protective footwear, including:

• Impact resistance (I)
• Compression resistance (C)
• Electrical hazard protection (EH)
• Metatarsal protection (Mt)
• Puncture resistance (PR)
• Static dissipative properties (SD)

For industrial environments, construction sites, and corporate PPE programs in the United States, ASTM F2413 certification is frequently required by employers, safety policies, or contractual specifications.

Market Application in the USA

• Required for many regulated workplace environments and industrial contracts.
• Commonly requested by distributors supplying professional or industrial sectors.
• Recognized as the reference certification for OSHA-related workplace compliance.

3. EN ISO 20345:2021 Standard (Europe – CE Marking)

The EN ISO 20345:2021 standard represents the official European framework for safety footwear classified as Personal Protective Equipment under EU regulations.

CE marking confirms that the product complies with European PPE requirements regarding safety, ergonomics, durability, and performance testing.

EN ISO 20345 defines safety categories such as S1, S2, and S3, covering:

• 200J toe cap impact resistance
• Compression resistance
• Slip resistance
• Penetration resistance
• Water resistance (depending on category)
• Anti-static and energy absorption properties

Market Application in Europe

• Mandatory certification for safety footwear sold as PPE within the EU and EEA.
• Fully compliant for retail, professional, and industrial use.
• Widely recognized internationally as a technical benchmark for safety footwear.

4. International Recognition and Market Validity

United States (Retail and Online Market)

• Safety footwear certified under EN ISO 20345 may be legally sold through retail and e-commerce channels.
• Products must not be marketed as ASTM certified unless officially tested and certified according to ASTM F2413.
• Industrial or workplace use may require ASTM certification depending on employer or contractual requirements.

Canada

• EN ISO 20345 footwear may be sold in retail and online markets.
• CSA Z195 certification is generally required for regulated workplace safety programs.

Australia / New Zealand

• EN ISO 20345 footwear is widely recognized in retail markets.
• AS/NZS 2210.3 certification may be required for occupational safety compliance.

Asia and Other International Markets

• EN ISO 20345 certification is broadly recognized in international trade.
• Local certification requirements may apply for industrial or governmental use.

5. Strategic Certification Approach

For brands targeting North American industrial markets, ASTM F2413 certification represents the primary reference standard for workplace compliance.

For brands operating primarily within Europe and selling internationally through retail and online channels, EN ISO 20345:2021 certification ensures:

• Full legal compliance within the EU market
• International technical recognition
• Global retail and B2C distribution capability
• Efficient certification management

6. Summary Table

Final Conclusion

ASTM F2413 and EN ISO 20345:2021 represent the two primary safety footwear certification frameworks globally, each serving different regulatory environments. ASTM F2413 remains the reference standard for workplace safety compliance in the United States, while EN ISO 20345 ensures full regulatory compliance within Europe and broad international recognition for retail and global distribution.