Factories that manufacture safety vests often confuse EN17353 and EN20471. The wrong standard can result in product rejections, safety failures, and legal compliance issues. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to comply with EN17353 for your safety vests — and how it compares to other regulations like EN20471.
EN17353:2020 is a European standard for enhanced visibility clothing used in medium-risk environments such as jogging or working near slow-moving vehicles. To comply, manufacturers must select the right Type (A or B), ensure 360° visibility, use certified retroreflective materials, and test according to ISO standards. It does not replace EN20471 but complements it for non-professional use.
Let’s explore the key steps for compliance and why it matters for factories selling into the European market.
What Is EN17353:2020 and Who Needs It?
EN17353:2020 is a European standard that applies to enhanced visibility clothing for medium-risk situations. It replaced EN1150:1999 and EN13356:2001, unifying visibility rules for non-professional users. It’s designed for:
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Joggers or cyclists near traffic
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Workers near slow-moving vehicles
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Outdoor activity participants at dusk or night
EN17353 covers three types of products:
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Type A – Visibility under daylight only
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Type B1/B2/B3 – Visibility in low light or darkness using retroreflective material (with B3 requiring 360° visibility)
This standard is not for high-risk jobs like highway construction. That’s where EN ISO 20471 comes in.
How to Comply with EN17353 in Safety Vest Production
If you’re a manufacturer, here’s how to meet EN17353 requirements step-by-step:
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Choose the correct type (A, B1, B2, or B3) based on usage scenario.
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Use fluorescent material (for Type A) or certified retroreflective tape (for B-types).
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Ensure 360-degree visibility for B3 vests — reflectivity must be visible from all angles.
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Follow placement and surface area rules for reflective components.
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Submit the garment for testing under ISO 13688 (general protective clothing) and relevant visibility tests (like ISO 20471:2013 Annex B).
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Document compliance and affix the CE mark.
This process ensures your safety vest can legally be sold across the EU.
EN17353 vs EN20471: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | EN17353 | EN ISO 20471 |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium-risk | High-risk |
| User Type | Non-professional | Professional/industrial |
| Color Requirement | Optional (Type A only) | Mandatory fluorescent colors |
| Retroreflective Required | Yes (Types B1-B3) | Yes |
| 360° Visibility | Type B3 only | Mandatory |
| Examples | Joggers, cyclists | Road workers, emergency crews |
EN 17353 vs EN 20471 is one of the most common questions among suppliers. Always check your client’s use case before choosing which to follow.
What Is EN17353 Type B3?
Type B3 is the most demanding category in EN17353. It requires:
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Retroreflective elements visible from 360 degrees
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Minimum reflective area per garment (based on body size)
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Placement around arms, torso, and shoulders to indicate motion and shape
This type is ideal for nighttime activities where movement detection is critical — like running or cycling.
EN17353 vs ANSI/OSHA Vest Standards
If your factory also exports to the U.S., you need to understand ANSI/ISEA 107 and OSHA rules.
| Standard | Region | Use Case | Visibility Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN17353 | Europe | Medium-risk | Type A, B1, B2, B3 |
| EN ISO 20471 | Europe | High-risk | Class 1, 2, 3 |
| ANSI 107 | USA | Occupational use | Class 1, 2, 3 |
| OSHA 1926.651(d) | USA | Legal requirement | Any reflective vest |
While OSHA requirements for safety vests are more general, ANSI 107 is the technical equivalent of EN20471. Knowing both is essential for global compliance.
What Safety Vest Materials Meet EN17353?
To comply, factories must use:
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Fluorescent fabrics that retain colorfastness under UV light (for Type A)
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Retroreflective tape tested under ISO 20471 standards
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Durable base fabrics tested under EN ISO 13688 for wear, wash, and tear
Test reports must come from notified bodies authorized for CE certification. If you’re unsure about sourcing, request documentation from your supplier or testing lab.
How to Get EN17353 Certification for Safety Vests
Here’s the simplified certification process:
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Design Evaluation – Ensure the layout and materials meet the type (A, B1-B3) you’re aiming for.
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Prototype Testing – Send samples to a certified testing lab for performance checks.
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Technical File Preparation – Include test results, design drawings, risk assessments.
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CE Declaration of Conformity – Sign off and label the product.
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Annual Review – Retest and update as standards evolve.
Certification costs vary but usually fall between €800–€1500 per style depending on complexity.
EN17353 compliance is essential for any safety vest factory producing gear for medium-risk environments in the EU. Know your product’s intended use, follow material and testing guidelines, and compare with EN20471 or ANSI if you’re exporting.
Still unsure about compliance? Drop a question and we’ll help you clarify!