EN ISO 10325:2026
(Main)Fibre ropes - High modulus polyethylene - 8-strand braided ropes, 12-strand braided ropes and covered ropes (ISO 10325:2026)
- Abstract
This document specifies requirements for 8-strand braided ropes, for 12-strand braided ropes, and for covered rope constructions (single braid, double braid and multi-core construction) for general purpose made of high modulus polyethylene (HMPE), and gives rules for their designation.
Many different types and grades of HMPE fibre exist which are commonly used to produce rope products. This document does not apply to all variations in strength or product performance.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 16-Jun-2026
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 248 - Textiles and textile products
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 248/WG 3 - Ropes and agricultural twines and fishing nets
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 17-Jun-2026
- Completion Date
- 17-Jun-2026
EN ISO 10325:2026 is a European Standard adopted by CEN from ISO 10325:2026. It sets requirements for fibre ropes made from high modulus polyethylene (HMPE), covering 8-strand braided ropes, 12-strand braided ropes, and covered rope constructions for general purpose use.
The document also gives designation rules and practical information on construction, material, physical properties, and marking. It is aimed at people who need to specify, manufacture, supply, test, or select HMPE ropes.
What does EN ISO 10325:2026 specify?
EN ISO 10325:2026 specifies general-purpose HMPE fibre ropes in three construction families: 8-strand braided ropes, 12-strand braided ropes, and covered ropes. It gives the rules for naming these ropes and for describing their material, stabilization type, and physical properties.
The scope is focused on the rope types named in the standard. It notes that HMPE exists in many grades and that the document does not cover every possible variation in strength or product performance.
The document is organized into:
- Scope
- Normative references
- Terms and definitions
- Designation
- Material
- General requirements
- Physical properties
- Marking
What are the key requirements of EN ISO 10325:2026?
EN ISO 10325:2026 requires HMPE ropes to be designated with the words fibre rope, the document number, the construction or type, the reference number, the rope material, and the stabilization type. In practice, this lets purchasers and manufacturers describe the same rope in one consistent format.
Construction and material
Clause 6 defines three construction types:
- Type L - 8-strand braided ropes
- Type T - 12-strand braided ropes
- Type K - covered ropes
Clause 5 requires the ropes, or the load-bearing core of the rope, to be made of filament HMPE fibres. For covered ropes, the cover can be made from different fibre materials and can vary in thickness, so the cover is selected to suit the application.
Stabilization and heat setting
The standard states that heat-set HMPE ropes are designated as type 1 ropes, while ropes that have not been heat set are designated as type 2 ropes. Heat setting may increase break strength per unit weight, but the document also notes that it may reduce service life.
Construction rules and compatibility with ISO 9554
Clause 6 requires the construction, manufacture, and braid pitch or lay length of 8-strand and 12-strand ropes to conform to ISO 9554. Covered ropes must also follow ISO 9554 for the core or sub-ropes, and the cover must protect the core without being load-bearing.
Physical properties
Clause 7 gives linear density and minimum breaking strength values in Tables 1 and 2. These values are indicative for general-purpose ropes and are tied to the reference number, which corresponds to an approximate diameter.
For covered ropes, the table distinguishes jacket materials and notes that the strength values relate to the load-bearing core. For users, this means the exact diameter, density, and strength need confirmation with the manufacturer when the cover design is specific.
Use and maintenance information
Clause 7 requires the supplier to provide instructions for use and maintenance. The user is expected to check the performance needs of the intended application before choosing a rope design and size.
Marking and handling information
Clause 8 allows coloured synthetic yarns for identification and requires a printed marker tape in accordance with ISO 9554. This supports traceability and helps avoid mix-ups in storage and use.
What terms does EN ISO 10325:2026 define?
Cover / jacket - A braided or protective layer placed over the rope core; it does not contribute significantly to rope strength.
Heat-set rope - A rope whose properties are modified by applying heat while it is held under controlled tensile load.
General purpose use - Use based on a conservative approach that allows for foreseeable use and reasonably foreseeable misuse.
HMPE - High modulus polyethylene, the fibre material required by the standard for the rope or load-bearing core.
Type 1 rope - An HMPE rope that has been heat set.
Type 2 rope - An HMPE rope that has not been heat set.
Who uses EN ISO 10325:2026?
EN ISO 10325:2026 is used by rope manufacturers, converters, and suppliers who make or label HMPE rope products. It is also used by buyers, specifiers, and quality teams who need to compare rope constructions, reference numbers, and declared strength values.
Testing and inspection labs use it together with ISO 2307 when measuring physical properties. It is also relevant for users in general-purpose rope applications who need to select a rope design and document the expected performance.
What changed in EN ISO 10325:2026 from the previous edition?
EN ISO 10325:2026 supersedes EN ISO 10325:2018. The foreword states these main changes:
- a safety and risk warning was added before the Scope
- Clause 3 added a definition of general purpose use
- Clause 5 revised the material description
- Clause 6 revised Figure 1 and aligned the figure layouts
- Clause 7 revised the physical properties description, linear density in Tables 1 and 2, and related footnotes
Which standards are used with EN ISO 10325:2026?
- ISO 1968 - provides the vocabulary for fibre ropes and cordage
- ISO 2307 - gives the methods for determining certain physical and mechanical properties, including the linear density measurement used in Clause 7
- ISO 9554 - gives general specifications used for construction, manufacture, braid pitch or lay length, labelling, packaging, invoicing, delivered lengths, and stabilization type
What does the EN ISO 10325:2026 document contain?
EN ISO 10325:2026 contains three construction figures for type L, type T, and type K ropes, plus a designation example that shows how a rope is named. It includes two main physical-property tables for indicative linear density and minimum breaking strength, with separate treatment for unspliced ropes and ropes with eye-spliced terminations.
The document also includes the material notes, the rules for covered ropes, and the marking requirement for coloured synthetic yarns and printed marker tape. In practice, these sections support product specification, testing, procurement, and traceability.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 04-Sep-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2026
- Consolidated By
ISO 10325:2026 - Fibre ropes — High modulus polyethylene — 8-strand braided ropes, 12-strand braided ropes and covered ropes - Effective Date
- 12-Feb-2026
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

Control Union Certifications
Global certification for agriculture and sustainability.
Hohenstein Institut
Textile testing and certification.

Bureau Veritas Bangladesh
Bureau Veritas certification services in Bangladesh.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
EN ISO 10325:2026 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Fibre ropes - High modulus polyethylene - 8-strand braided ropes, 12-strand braided ropes and covered ropes (ISO 10325:2026)". This standard covers: This document specifies requirements for 8-strand braided ropes, for 12-strand braided ropes, and for covered rope constructions (single braid, double braid and multi-core construction) for general purpose made of high modulus polyethylene (HMPE), and gives rules for their designation. Many different types and grades of HMPE fibre exist which are commonly used to produce rope products. This document does not apply to all variations in strength or product performance.
This document specifies requirements for 8-strand braided ropes, for 12-strand braided ropes, and for covered rope constructions (single braid, double braid and multi-core construction) for general purpose made of high modulus polyethylene (HMPE), and gives rules for their designation. Many different types and grades of HMPE fibre exist which are commonly used to produce rope products. This document does not apply to all variations in strength or product performance.
EN ISO 10325:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 59.080.50 - Ropes. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN ISO 10325:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN ISO 10325:2018, ISO 9554:2019, ISO 1968:2004, ISO 2307:2019, ISO 10325:2026. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN ISO 10325:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2026
Vlaknene vrvi - Visokomodulni polietilen - 8-nitne in 12-nitne pletene vrvi ter
oplaščene vrvi (ISO 10325:2026)
Fibre ropes - High modulus polyethylene - 8-strand braided ropes, 12-strand braided
ropes and covered ropes (ISO 10325:2026)
Faserseile - Hochmoduliges Polyethylen - 8-litzige geflochtene Seile, 12-litzige
geflochtene Seile und ummantelte Seile (ISO 10325:2026)
Cordages en fibres - Polyéthylène à haut module - Cordages tressés à 8 torons,
cordages tressés à 12 torons et cordages avec couverture (ISO 10325:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 10325:2026
ICS:
59.080.50 Vrvi Ropes
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN ISO 10325
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
June 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 59.080.50 Supersedes EN ISO 10325:2018
English Version
Fibre ropes - High modulus polyethylene - 8-strand
braided ropes, 12-strand braided ropes and covered ropes
(ISO 10325:2026)
Cordages en fibres - Polyéthylène à haut module - Faserseile - Hochmoduliges Polyethylen - 8-litzige
Cordages tressés à 8 torons, cordages tressés à 12 geflochtene Seile, 12-litzige geflochtene Seile und
torons et cordages avec couverture (ISO 10325:2026) ummantelte Seile (ISO 10325:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 9 June 2026.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 10325:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
European foreword
This document (EN ISO 10325:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 38 "Textiles"
in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 248 “Textiles and textile products” the secretariat of
which is held by BSI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by December 2026, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by December 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 10325:2018.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body/national committee. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 10325:2026 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 10325:2026 without any modification.
International
Standard
ISO 10325
Third edition
Fibre ropes — High modulus
2026-06
polyethylene — 8-strand braided
ropes, 12-strand braided ropes and
covered ropes
Cordages en fibres — Polyéthylène à haut module — Cordages
tressés à 8 torons, cordages tressés à 12 torons et cordages avec
couverture
Reference number
ISO 10325:2026(en) © ISO 2026
ISO 10325:2026(en)
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO 10325:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Designation . 2
5 Material. 2
6 General requirements . 3
6.1 General .3
6.2 Construction, manufacture and lay length or braid pitch .3
6.3 Labelling, packaging, invoicing and delivered lengths .4
7 Physical properties . 4
8 Marking . . 7
iii
ISO 10325:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 38, Textiles, in collaboration with the European
Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 248, Textiles and textile products, in
accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 10325:2018), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— a warning text regarding safety and risk has been added in the document before the Scope;
— Clause 3: a definition of general purpose use has been added;
— Clause 5: the description of material has been revised;
— Clause 6: Figure 1 has been revised, and the layout of the figures have been aligned;
— Clause 7: the description of physical properties and the liner density in Table 1 and Table 2 have been
revised, and footnotes accordingly to clarify values presented in the tables.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
International Standard ISO 10325:2026(en)
Fibre ropes — High modulus polyethylene — 8-strand
braided ropes, 12-strand braided ropes and covered ropes
WARNING — The use of rope and cordage products has inherent safety risks which are subject to
highly variable conditions, and which may change over time. Conformance with this document does
not guarantee safe use under all circumstances. If the user has any questions or uncertainties about
the proper use of rope or cordage, or about safe practices for general purpose use, a competent
person shall be consulted.
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for 8-strand braided ropes, for 12-strand braided ropes, and for
covered rope constructions (single braid, double braid and multi-core construction) for general purpose
made of high modulus polyethylene (HMPE), and gives rules for their designation.
Many different types and grades of HMPE fibre exist which are commonly used to produce rope products.
This document does
...



