BasicsHow to check CE EN ISO 20345 safety shoes validity

How to Check CE EN ISO 20345 Safety Shoes Validity?

6 min readBasics

Quick Summary

This guide covers how to verify CE EN ISO 20345 safety shoes validity through CE marking checks, safety rating verification, notified body number validation, and proper documentation review to avoid counterfeit products.

1. Check the CE Marking on the Shoes

Look inside the shoe tongue or lining label:

Must have:

  • A CE mark (not just printed randomly)
  • Manufacturer name or brand
  • Model number
  • Size
  • Standard: EN ISO 20345:2011 or 2022
  • Safety category (e.g., S1, S2, S3)

TIPWarning signs: Missing CE mark, poor-quality or unclear label, only "CE" without standard details

2. Verify the Safety Rating (S-Class)

The label should clearly show protection level:

Safety Classifications

  • S1 -?Basic protection + anti-static
  • S2 -?S1 + water resistance
  • S3 -?S2 + puncture resistance + grip

Make sure the rating matches the product description.

3. Check the Notified Body Number

Valid CE-certified PPE (like safety shoes) must include a 4-digit Notified Body number.

Example: CE 0123

You can verify this number via: NANDO database

Search the number to confirm:

Verification Steps

  • It belongs to a real certification body
  • It is authorized for PPE testing

4. Request the EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

A legitimate supplier must provide a Declaration of Conformity, which includes:

DoC Requirements

  • Manufacturer details
  • Product model
  • Applied standard (EN ISO 20345)
  • Notified body information
  • Signature and date

TIPIf the supplier cannot provide this - high risk of fake certification.

5. Check the Certificate (Type Examination Certificate)

Ask for the official certificate issued by a testing body. Verify:

Certificate Details to Check

  • Certificate number
  • Issuing organization
  • Valid date
  • Product model matches exactly

You can cross-check with certification bodies like:

Major Testing Organizations

  • SGS
  • Intertek
  • TUV Rheinland

6. Inspect Product Quality & Construction

Even with documents, check physical quality:

Physical Inspection Points

  • Steel toe should feel solid (not thin or flexible)
  • Sole should be anti-slip and well bonded
  • No strong chemical smell or poor finishing

7. Check Packaging & Traceability

Valid products usually include:

Packaging Requirements

  • User manual
  • Manufacturer address
  • Batch or lot number
  • QR code or traceability info

8. Common Red Flags

Warning Signs to Avoid

  • "CE" logo that looks incorrect (wrong spacing/font)
  • Extremely low price compared to market
  • No documentation or inconsistent information
  • Fake or unverifiable certificate

Quick Checklist

Validation Checklist

  • CE marking with EN ISO 20345
  • Safety rating (S1/S2/S3)
  • Notified Body number verified
  • Declaration of Conformity available
  • Certificate matches product
  • Physical quality is acceptable

TIPPro Tip: If you are buying in bulk, always request sample testing, certification verification, and supplier audit.

Related Tags

CE MarkingEN ISO 20345Certification VerificationQuality Check

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How do I verify the CE marking on safety shoes is genuine?

Check for CE mark on the shoe tongue/lining label along with manufacturer name, model number, EN ISO 20345 standard, and safety category. Verify the 4-digit Notified Body number through the NANDO database to confirm it belongs to a real authorized certification body.

Q:What documents should I request from a safety shoes supplier?

Always request: (1) EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) with manufacturer details, product model, applied standard, notified body info, signature and date; (2) Type Examination Certificate from an authorized testing body like SGS, Intertek, or TUV Rheinland; (3) Current test reports for the specific product model.

Q:What are the red flags indicating fake or invalid safety shoes certification?

Red flags include: missing or incorrectly formatted CE mark, no standard details on label, no Declaration of Conformity available, unverifiable Notified Body number, extremely low prices compared to market, inconsistent documentation, and poor physical quality (thin flexible toe cap, weak sole bonding).