EN ISO 20471 is the European standard for high-visibility clothing designed to visually signal the presence of workers in hazardous environments, especially under low light conditions. For fabric manufacturers like SPORTINGTEX®, understanding and meeting this standard is essential to supplying certified safety garments across construction, logistics, transportation, and emergency response sectors.
Overview of EN ISO 20471 Standard
What Does EN20471 Regulate?
EN20471 regulates the minimum performance requirements for high-visibility clothing in terms of color, retroreflectivity, and minimum areas of visible materials. The goal is to enhance visibility of workers through fluorescent and reflective materials.
Who Needs EN20471 Certified Garments?
Any worker exposed to road traffic, heavy equipment, or low-visibility environments is expected to wear EN20471-compliant gear. This includes construction workers, road maintenance crews, warehouse staff, airport ground personnel, and emergency responders.
Classes of EN20471 (Class 1, 2, 3 Explained)
EN20471 garments are divided into three classes based on the minimum visible surface area, determined by the combined area of fluorescent fabric and reflective tape. Choosing the right class depends on the work environment’s risk level and visibility requirements:
- Class 1: Lowest visibility. Suitable for low-risk areas such as indoor warehouses, private properties, or workplaces without traffic. Requires the least amount of fluorescent and reflective surface.
- Class 2: Intermediate visibility. Used in work environments where vehicles are moving under 50 km/h, such as urban areas or daylight construction. Requires more visible surface than Class 1 and greater body coverage.
- Class 3: Highest visibility. Required in high-risk areas like highways, night work, or poor weather conditions. Garments must include long sleeves and/or pants with reflective bands, ensuring 360° visibility.
To meet Class 3 requirements, it’s often necessary to combine garments—for example, a high-visibility jacket with trousers—to achieve the required visible area.
Key Fabric Requirements for EN20471 Compliance
Fluorescent Background Material Specifications
The background fabric must be in one of the approved colors (fluorescent yellow, orange-red, or red) and must maintain chromaticity and luminance after exposure to UV, washing, and abrasion.
Retroreflective Tape Standards
Reflective materials must meet retroreflectivity thresholds (measured in RA) under various angles and light sources. Tapes are tested for performance even after repeated washes or physical wear.
Performance after Washing and Aging
To be EN20471-compliant, fabrics must maintain visibility properties after a designated number of washes—typically 25, 50, or even 75 cycles, depending on end-use requirements.
Color Options and Limitations
Only three fluorescent colors are allowed under EN20471: yellow, orange-red, and red. Custom hues or patterns are not compliant unless tested and certified.
How Is EN20471 Testing Done?
Certified Labs and Test Methods
Testing is conducted by accredited third-party labs using standards such as ISO 20471, ISO 6330 (washing), and ISO 13688 (general clothing performance).
Required Documentation for Certification
Manufacturers must provide technical files including fabric test reports, garment designs, and conformity declarations. CE marking is required for products entering the EU market.
Common Pitfalls in Testing
Frequent causes of failure include poor wash durability, color fading, reflective tape delamination, and incorrect surface area ratios on garments.
SPORTINGTEX®
EN20471 Certified Fabrics by SPORTINGTEX®
Our Fluorescent & Reflective Fabric Portfolio
SPORTINGTEX® offers a range of high-visibility textiles. All materials are tested to meet EN20471 performance criteria.
Tested Durability and Wash Cycles
Our fabrics are certified to maintain colorfastness and reflectivity after up to 50 or 75 washes, depending on specification. This ensures long-term compliance and garment lifespan.
Custom Development for OEM/ODM Projects
We support clients with custom EN20471-compliant fabric solutions tailored to workwear, outerwear, safety vests, and multifunctional garments.
EN20471 vs. ANSI/ISEA 107: What’s the Difference?
EN20471 is the European visibility standard, while ANSI/ISEA 107 is its American counterpart. While both have similar goals, they differ in classification systems and some color/area requirements. SPORTINGTEX® can support clients seeking compliance in both regions.
FAQ: Common Questions About EN20471
What is the difference between Class 1, 2, and 3 garments?
It refers to the amount of visible fluorescent and reflective surface. Class 3 provides the highest visibility.
Can a garment be both EN20471 and EN343 compliant?
Yes, garments can meet multiple standards such as visibility (EN20471) and waterproofing (EN343) when tested accordingly.
How often should EN20471 clothing be replaced?
Replace garments when reflectivity fades, fabrics become worn, or after exceeding certified wash cycles.
Is EN20471 required by law in Europe?
Yes. For workers exposed to road traffic or other visibility hazards, EN20471-compliant clothing is mandatory in many EU countries.
Contact SPORTINGTEX® for EN20471-Compliant Fabrics
Looking for durable, certified high-visibility fabrics? SPORTINGTEX® provides EN20471-compliant textiles backed by lab testing, fast development, and OEM/ODM support. Contact us to get a quote or request samples today.
