On 4 September 2026, the Commission published Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1971, which introduces new harmonised standards and updates existing ones under the EU Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation. The Decision introduces new references and updates existing references relating to the following PPE categories:
- Protective gloves for hairdressers
- Clothing protecting against rain
- Eye and face protection for occupational use
Personal protective equipment in conformity with harmonised standards is presumed to be in conformity with the essential health and safety requirements set out in Annex II of the EU PPE Regulation.
Hairdressers gloves, eye and face protection, protective clothing
In response to the Commission’s requests, CEN drafted new harmonised standards and revised existing ones:
- EN ISO 374-6:2025, concerning protective gloves for hairdressers.
- Revision of EN 343:2019 on protective clothing against rain, resulting in the adoption of EN ISO 24232:2025.
- Amendments to EN ISO 16321-1:2022 on eye and face protection for occupational use and EN ISO 16321-3:2022 on mesh protectors, resulting in the adoption of EN ISO 16321-1:2022/A1:2025 and EN ISO 16321-3:2022/A1:2026.
Respiratory devices incorporating helmet, a hood, or full masks
The withdrawal dates for older respiratory protective device standards have been postponed by one year to 8 October 2027:
Withdrawn standards
Decision (EU) 2026/1971 also withdraws harmonised standards EN 144-1:2000 as amended by EN 144-1:2000/A1:2003 and EN 144-1:2000/A2:2005, EN 144-2:1998, EN 144-3:2003 as amended by EN 144-3:2003/AC:2003 on outlet and thread connections for gas cylinder valves, and EN 148-1:1999 on threads for facepieces. These standards are considered outdated.
Do you have questions on compliance of personal protective equipment? Contact us here or at prodlaw@obelis.net.
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