Start with the cited edition
ISO lists ISO 20345:2021 as the current international standard for general-purpose safety footwear, with Amendment 1 published in 2024. European or national adoption, legal use and product documentation must still be checked for the destination market. Do not read a code without its cited edition and exact product record.
What the standard covers
The ISO scope includes basic and additional requirements related to areas such as mechanical risk, slip resistance, thermal risk and ergonomic behaviour. Specialized risks can be covered by complementary job-related standards. A general safety-footwear classification is therefore not proof of suitability for every specialized task.
How to read a product classification
- Identify the destination country and applicable workplace rule.
- Record the full standard reference and edition.
- Read the exact product classification and every additional code.
- Confirm the permanent product marking and controlled documentation.
- Match those facts to the workplace hazard assessment.
Do not translate codes across systems
EN ISO terminology is not automatically equivalent to ASTM or CSA. Similar words such as safety toe, puncture resistance or electrical protection can sit inside different test methods, classifications and legal frameworks.
KPR purchasing boundary
Only treat a KPR model as carrying an EN ISO classification when the exact product record supports it for the relevant market. Brand construction, product appearance or a different regional marking is not enough.
Use the KPR regional standards hub and the global comparison guide.
