If you specify, buy or issue rainwear for a workforce, you’ve probably started seeing a new code on datasheets and labels. EN 343, the standard most of us have used for protective clothing against rain, has been replaced by EN ISO 24232:2025.

This piece walks through what the new standard is, what has and hasn’t changed, when it applies, and what you need to do about it. Short version: nothing you own today becomes non-compliant overnight, but your spec wording should change.

What happened

ISO published ISO 24232 in 2024. CEN adopted it in Europe as EN ISO 24232:2025, and it supersedes EN 343:2019. In the UK it is published by BSI as BS EN ISO 24232:2025.

The main reason for the change is reach. EN 343 was a European standard. ISO 24232 is international, so the same rainwear test and the same classes are now recognised across far more markets. For companies with sites or suppliers in several countries, that means one standard to write into a spec instead of several.

What EN ISO 24232 covers

The standard sets requirements and test methods for materials and finished garments that protect against: rain and snow, fog, ground humidity.

It does not cover water splashes or waves, high-pressure water jets, or the protective properties of footwear, gloves and separate headwear. Those sit under other standards.

What stays the same

If you already know how to read an EN 343 label, you can read an EN ISO 24232 label.

• ✓Water penetration resistance (Wp) is still graded Class 1 to 4. Class 4 is the most waterproof.
• ✓Water vapour resistance (Ret) is still graded Class 1 to 4. A lower Ret value means better breathability, so Class 4 is the most breathable.
• ✓The ready-made garment test is still optional. An R on the label means the finished garment was tested in a rain tower. An X means it wasn’t tested or isn’t reported.
• ✓The pictogram is the same umbrella symbol, with the classes shown beside it.

What changes

• ✓Test methods. Wp and Ret are now measured using internationally standardised ISO methods.
• ✓Fabric strength. Updated minimum requirements for tensile strength and tear resistance of woven outer fabrics, plus bursting strength (knitted shells), seam strength and dimensional change after cleaning.
• ✓Marking. “ISO 24232” replaces “EN 343” on labels, certificates and the Declaration of Conformity.

When it applies

• ✓2024: ISO 24232 published.
• ✓October 2024: approved by CEN as EN ISO 24232.
• ✓2025: EN ISO 24232:2025 published. National standards bodies had to withdraw conflicting standards (EN 343) by April 2026.
• ✓September 2026: listed by the European Commission as a harmonised standard under the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
• ✓Great Britain: proposed for designation under the GB PPE Regulation from mid-October 2026.

What about existing stock?

Garments certified to EN 343 stay valid for the life of their certificate. Their labels, batch numbers and Declarations of Conformity don’t need to change. When a manufacturer renews or re-issues a certificate, it moves to EN ISO 24232. So for the next few years you will see both codes in circulation, and both are legitimate.

What this means for you

If you’re writing specs or tenders: update the wording to EN ISO 24232:2025, and accept EN 343:2019 for products with a certificate that is still in date. State the Wp and Ret classes you need, not just the standard number.

If you’re buying: ask your supplier when their certificates move to EN ISO 24232. A garment doesn’t need replacing because its label says EN 343.

Look for the R. Fabric and seam tests tell you the material is waterproof. An R tells you the finished garment kept water out in a rain tower, including zips, closures and seams in their real positions.

Match Ret to the work. For physical work over a long shift, breathability matters as much as waterproofness. A garment workers find too hot gets unzipped or taken off.

Care and maintenance

Waterproof performance depends on how a garment is looked after.

• ✓Wash and dry it exactly as the care label says.
• ✓Check seams, zips and closures for damage before use.
• ✓Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on re-proofing the outer fabric.
• ✓Remove damaged garments from use.

Looking for waterproof outerwear in the Vailos range? See the DORSTEN waterproof lightweight trouser and the DETMOLD waterproof lightweight long jacket, or browse the full arc flash range.

Frequently asked questions