EN 13758-2:2003+A1:2006

Overview

EN 13758-2:2003+A1:2006 is a European Standard developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that specifies classification and marking requirements for apparel designed to protect wearers from harmful solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This standard complements Part 1, which covers testing methods for fabrics. By establishing clear criteria for clothing design, UV protection, and labeling, EN 13758-2 helps consumers identify garments that provide effective sun protection.

With increasing awareness about the damaging effects of UV exposure-both short-term skin damage and long-term risks such as skin cancer-EN 13758-2 supports manufacturers, retailers, and consumers in addressing sun safety through clothing.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  This standard defines minimum requirements for UV protective clothing intended to shield the upper and/or lower body against solar UV radiation, focusing on design, material performance, and consumer information.

• UV Protection Requirements

  • All garment materials must have a Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) greater than 40, ensuring very high blocking of UV rays.
  • UVA transmission must be less than 5%, measured uniformly across the fabric.
  • The UPF and UVA measurements align with testing procedures specified in EN 13758-1.

• Clothing Design Criteria

  • Upper body protective clothing must fully cover the torso, neck base, shoulders, and three-quarters of the upper arm.
  • Lower body protection requires complete coverage from waist to below the patella (kneecap).
  • Garments protecting both body parts should cover all these areas completely.

• Marking and Labelling
  UV protective apparel meeting this standard must feature:

  • The standard number EN 13758-2.
  • A “UPF 40+” mark.
  • A standardized pictogram (yellow sun symbol with black outline).
  • Consumer warnings such as “Sun exposure causes skin damage,” “Only covered areas are protected,” and “The protection offered by this item may be reduced with use or if stretched or wet.”
  • Optional wording confirming UVA + UVB protection.
  • Manufacturers are encouraged to attach a leaflet explaining UV risks and garment benefits.

• Balancing Protection and Wearability
  The standard aims to balance effective sun protection with garment comfort, aesthetic appeal, and market viability. It sets minimum fabric and coverage levels that provide robust protection without compromising on style or consumer acceptance.

Applications

EN 13758-2 is essential for manufacturers, designers, and retailers involved in producing or marketing sun-protective clothing. Key practical applications include:

• Apparel Design and Manufacturing
  Guiding the development of garments that reliably block UV radiation while maintaining comfort and appearance.

• Quality Assurance and Compliance
  Assisting regulatory bodies and companies in verifying that UV protective clothing complies with European standards to ensure consistent consumer protection.

• Consumer Safety and Awareness
  Providing end-users with clear labeling and information about the protective performance of their clothing to mitigate health risks from UV exposure.

• Market Differentiation
  Enabling brands to promote certified sun-protective apparel with standardized markings that increase consumer trust and product credibility.

Related Standards

• EN 13758-1: Textiles - Solar UV Protective Properties - Part 1: Method of Test for Apparel Fabrics
  This part defines laboratory test methods used to determine the UV protection factor (UPF) and UVA transmission of textile materials, which are foundational for compliance with EN 13758-2.

• CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
  These govern the adoption and implementation of European Standards by member states, ensuring harmonized application across the EU.

• Other relevant textile and UV protection standards may complement EN 13758-2 by defining fabric testing, safety criteria, or labeling practices within specific industries or markets.

Keywords: EN 13758-2, UV protective clothing, solar ultraviolet radiation, UV protection factor, UPF 40+, apparel classification, clothing UV marking, European standard, sun protection textiles, textile UV testing, CEN textile standards, sun-safe clothing, UV damage prevention