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EN 374 vs EN 455: Which European Standard Do You Need?
Fujian Jixiang E-commerce Co., Ltd
EN 374 vs EN 455: The Core Difference (Direct Answer)
EN 374 governs chemical and micro-organism protection for protective gloves, while EN 455 governs the quality and safety of medical gloves for single use. In short: if your priority is chemical resistance → look for EN 374. If your priority is patient/healthcare safety → look for EN 455. Many industrial buyers need both, but they serve fundamentally different purposes.
• EN 374 = "Can this glove protect me from chemicals and micro-organisms?"
• EN 455 = "Is this glove safe and reliable for medical examination/surgery?"
Quick Comparison Table
| Dimension | EN 374 | EN 455 |
|---|
| Full Title | Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms | Medical gloves for single use |
| Scope | Industrial, laboratory, chemical handling | Healthcare, medical examination, surgery |
| Key Tests | Chemical permeation, degradation, penetration | Freedom from holes (AQL), physical properties, biological safety |
| Parts | EN 374-1 to EN 374-5 | EN 455-1 to EN 455-4 |
| AQL Requirement | AQL 2.5 (typically) | AQL 1.5 (examination) / AQL 0.65 (surgical) |
| PPE Category | Category III (complex design) | Medical Device (MDR 2017/745) |
| CE Marking | Yes (EU 2016/425) | Yes (MDR 2017/745) |
| Typical Users | Chemical workers, lab technicians, mechanics | Doctors, nurses, dentists, surgeons |
EN 374: Deep Dive
EN 374 is a series of standards under the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. It applies to protective gloves designed to shield the wearer from hazardous chemicals and micro-organisms.
Parts of EN 374
| Part | What It Tests | Key Requirement |
|---|
| EN 374-1 | Terminology and performance requirements | Defines Type A, B, C based on chemical resistance |
| EN 374-2 | Resistance to penetration by micro-organisms | Water/air leak test (AQL 2.5 minimum) |
| EN 374-4 | Resistance to degradation by chemicals | Measures change in puncture resistance after chemical exposure |
| EN 374-5 | Protection against micro-organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi) | Additional virus penetration test (ISO 16604) |
EN 374 Chemical Type Classification
| Type | Min Chemicals Resisted | Breakthrough Time | Marking |
|---|
| Type A | 6 chemicals (from list of 18) | >= 30 min each | EN 374:2016/Type A + chemical codes |
| Type B | 3 chemicals | >= 30 min each | EN 374:2016/Type B + chemical codes |
| Type C | 1 chemical | >= 10 min | EN 374:2016/Type C + chemical code |
EN 455: Deep Dive
EN 455 is a series of standards under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745. It applies to gloves intended for medical use — examination, diagnosis, and therapeutic procedures.
Parts of EN 455
| Part | What It Tests | Key Requirement |
|---|
| EN 455-1 | Freedom from holes (pinhole defects) | AQL 1.5 (examination) / AQL 0.65 (surgical) |
| EN 455-2 | Physical properties | Tensile strength >= 14 MPa (nitrile); elongation >= 500% (nitrile) |
| EN 455-3 | Biological evaluation | Latex protein limits, endotoxin limits, powder residue limits |
| EN 455-4 | Shelf-life determination | Accelerated aging test; must maintain properties for stated shelf life |
When Do You Need Both Standards?
Some products must comply with both EN 374 and EN 455 simultaneously. This is common for:
• Chemotherapy gloves — Must meet EN 455 for medical use AND EN 374 for cytotoxic drug permeation
• Laboratory medical gloves — Used in clinical labs where both patient contact and chemical exposure occur
• Emergency response gloves — Where healthcare workers may encounter unknown substances
How to identify dual-certified gloves: Look for both markings on the packaging: "EN 455" + "EN 374" with chemical codes and CE mark.
Which Standard Should You Look For?
-
Are you using gloves for medical examination or surgery? → EN 455 is mandatory
-
Are you handling chemicals in an industrial or lab setting? → EN 374 is required
-
Are you a dental professional? → EN 455 (medical) + optionally EN 374 if handling chemical disinfectants
-
Are you in food processing? → Neither is mandatory; look for EU 10/2011 or FDA 21 CFR 177 for food contact compliance
-
Are you importing to the GCC? → GSO 4872 aligns with both EN 455 and EN 374 principles
FAQ
Q: Can a glove be both EN 374 and EN 455 certified?
A: Yes. Many high-quality nitrile gloves carry both certifications. These are typically used in clinical laboratory settings or for chemotherapy drug handling. The glove must pass the AQL 1.5 pinhole test (EN 455-1) AND the chemical permeation test (EN 374-1) to carry both marks.
Q: Is EN 455 mandatory for all gloves sold in Europe?
A: No. EN 455 is mandatory only for gloves marketed as "medical gloves." Industrial, food-handling, and general-purpose gloves do not require EN 455. However, they may need EN 374 if they claim chemical protection.
Q: What's the difference between EN 374-2 and EN 455-1 water leak tests?
A: Both tests check for pinholes, but the acceptance criteria differ. EN 455-1 requires AQL 1.5 (medical grade), while EN 374-2 typically requires AQL 2.5 (industrial grade). The test method is similar — filling the glove with water and checking for leaks.
Q: Do I need EN 374 for gloves used with cleaning products?
A: If the cleaning products contain hazardous chemicals (as defined by CLP Regulation), then yes — the employer must provide EN 374-certified gloves as PPE. For domestic cleaning with mild detergents, non-certified gloves may be sufficient, but certified gloves are always safer.
About JIXIANG: JIXIANG nitrile gloves are certified to EN 455-1/2/3/4 (medical grade, AQL 1.5) and EN 374 (chemical protection, Type B). Our ISO 13485-certified production ensures consistent quality for healthcare, laboratory, and industrial applications.
Visit www.jxgloves.com/contact for certifications and samples.