ISO 20345:2021 is an international standard that specifies minimum requirements for safety footwear used in occupational settings where protection against injuries is necessary. It defines performance criteria for footwear equipped with safety toe caps and other features designed to shield the wearer from physical hazards such as impacts, compression, penetration, slippage and electrical risks.

This standard is widely adopted across industries such as construction, manufacturing, mining, logistics, and energy, where foot injuries are common. It is part of the broader ISO 20340 series that addresses various types of protective and occupational footwear.
If you are looking for ISO certification, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com.
The primary purpose of ISO 20345 is to ensure that safety footwear provides a consistent and reliable level of protection for workers exposed to a range of hazards in the workplace. The standard helps manufacturers and employers confirm that footwear meets globally recognized safety specifications.
It also supports workplace safety compliance and promotes user confidence in the protective capabilities of certified products.
If you are looking for ISO 20345 certification for your safety footwear, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com.
ISO 20345 specifies the basic and additional requirements for occupational safety footwear that incorporates toe protection against a 200-joule impact and 15 kN compression. It also includes optional features like puncture resistance, anti-static properties, water penetration resistance, and cold insulation.
Applicability:
The standard applies to manufacturers, suppliers, and testing laboratories involved in:
If you are a safety footwear manufacturer or importer, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com!
Clause | Title | Overview |
1 | Scope | Describes the extent and limitations of the standard. |
2 | Normative References | Lists reference documents essential for the application of the standard. |
3 | Terms and Definitions | Provides definitions related to safety footwear and testing criteria. |
4 | Classification | Defines the footwear types based on construction and material (e.g., leather, polymer). |
5 | Basic and Additional Requirements | Details minimum safety requirements and optional features. |
6 | Marking | Specifies labeling requirements, such as pictograms and performance codes. |
7 | Information Supplied by the Manufacturer | Lists documentation and user guidance that must accompany certified footwear. |
To comply with ISO 20345, manufacturers and distributors must:

If you are preparing for ISO testing and certification, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com.
If you need help organizing documentation for ISO 20345 certification, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com.
Week | Activity | Description |
Week 1 | Application Submission & Pre-review | Submission of product technical file, safety features, materials, and initial documentation. Scope is confirmed and appropriate test requirements are outlined. |
Week 2 | Sample Preparation & Lab Coordination | Product samples are finalized and dispatched to an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing lab for evaluation under ISO 20345 parameters. |
Week 3 | Product Testing Phase (Continued) | Accredited lab performs tests for toe impact, compression resistance, penetration resistance, antistatic performance, water resistance, etc., depending on product features. |
Week 4 | Test Report Compilation & Technical Review | Lab submits formal reports. Certification body reviews results to verify product compliance with ISO 20345 mandatory and optional requirements. |
Week 5 | Factory Evaluation & Marking Review (if required) | Evaluation of production setup, internal quality control, consistency in markings, and documentation related to usage instructions and DoC (if CE marking required). |
Week 6 | Certification Decision & Certificate Issuance | Upon successful review, ISO 20345 certificate is issued. Certificate includes reference to tested models, scope, and applicable marking codes. |
If you are looking to certify your safety footwear under ISO 20345:2021, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com.
Lately, the global PPE footwear market continues to see growth driven by occupational safety mandates, ESG accountability, and worker wellbeing programs. Rising incidents of foot injuries, stricter labor laws, and increased infrastructure investment in Asia-Pacific and North America are fueling demand for certified safety footwear. Below are the key benefits:

There’s also a surge in interest for eco-friendly and ergonomic safety shoes, with ISO 20345 being integrated into sustainability and quality procurement frameworks. Digital testing, RFID-enabled tracking and the use of nanomaterials are reshaping how safety footwear is manufactured and assessed.
International buyers, especially in the EU and Middle East, now increasingly require ISO 20345 certification before purchase or import, making certification a non-negotiable requirement for global manufacturers.
If you are entering global markets and need ISO 20345 product certification, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com!
As an ABIS-accredited certification body, Pacific Certifications offers independent, third-party ISO 20345 product certification services that ensure your safety footwear complies with all mandatory and optional performance criteria.
We offer:
If you are looking for ISO 20345 certification, contact us at support@demo.pacificcert.com
It is not mandatory globally, but many employers, regulators, and buyers require it to ensure safety compliance and market access.
Yes, if tested and certified by a Notified Body, ISO 20345 footwear can carry the CE mark under the EU PPE Regulation.
ISO 20345 certification is valid as long as the product design and test results remain unchanged. Surveillance or retesting may be required periodically.
Only recognized and accredited certification bodies such as Pacific Certifications can perform independent certification assessments.
Contact Pacific Certifications to begin your certification journey today!
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