Sunglasses compliance for importers: UV400, ISO 12312-1, ANSI Z80.3 and FDA impact rules
The standards and tests importers of sports sunglasses usually need for the EU, UK, US and Australia, plus impact standards for tactical and racquet-sport eyewear.
Short answer: In the EU and UK, sunglasses are category I personal protective equipment and are normally tested to EN ISO 12312-1 with CE or UKCA marking. In the US, non-prescription sunglasses must pass the FDA impact-resistance (drop-ball) requirement, and ANSI Z80.3 is the voluntary performance standard. Australia uses AS/NZS 1067.1. Safety and tactical eyewear needs separate impact standards such as ANSI Z87.1, EN 166 or MIL-PRF-32432.
This guide is a starting point, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm requirements for your market with your test laboratory or customs broker.
European Union and United Kingdom
Sunglasses intended for general use are classed as category I personal protective equipment under Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (and the retained version in Great Britain). In practice importers rely on the harmonised standard EN ISO 12312-1, which covers:
- UV transmittance limits
- luminous transmittance and the filter category (0–4)
- traffic-signal recognition and road-use suitability
- optical quality, robustness and labelling
The product or its packaging must show the filter category, the CE (or UKCA) mark, and the manufacturer or importer details. Ski and snowboard goggles are covered by EN ISO 18527-1 instead.
United States
Non-prescription sunglasses are medical devices in FDA terms and must meet the impact-resistance requirement in 21 CFR 801.410, commonly called the drop-ball test. Manufacturers or importers must be able to show test results for each lens type. ANSI Z80.3 is the voluntary performance standard for non-prescription sunglasses that many US retailers ask for. Products aimed at children may also fall under CPSIA requirements, including limits on lead and phthalates in accessible parts, and California sales may require Proposition 65 warnings.
Australia and New Zealand
Sunglasses supplied in Australia must comply with the mandatory standard based on AS/NZS 1067.1, which includes lens category labelling similar to ISO.
Impact standards for tactical, shooting and racquet sports
| Standard | Region | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| ANSI Z87.1 | US | Occupational and educational eye protection, Z87+ high impact |
| EN 166 | EU | Personal eye protection, impact grades F, B, A |
| MIL-PRF-32432 | US military | Ballistic fragmentation protection |
| ASTM F803 | US | Racquet sports and some ball sports eye protectors |
Several models in our tactical range are listed with EN 166 and ANSI claims. Always request the report that matches the exact lens and frame combination you are ordering.
What to ask your supplier for
- Test reports per lens colour, issued by an accredited lab and less than two years old.
- A declaration of conformity template for your brand.
- Labelling artwork showing filter category and warnings.
- Materials declarations (REACH SVHC, RoHS for smart glasses, CPSIA for kids).
- For smart glasses: FCC, CE-RED and battery transport (UN38.3) documents.
We share the documents we hold for each model and can arrange third-party testing under your brand name. Ask for the compliance pack for the models on your shortlist.
Frequently asked questions
What does UV400 mean?
UV400 means the lens blocks ultraviolet radiation up to a wavelength of 400 nanometres, covering both UVA and UVB. It is a marketing term, so ask for a transmittance test report to confirm it.
Do I need a CE mark to sell sunglasses in Europe?
Yes. Sunglasses for general use are PPE category I under Regulation (EU) 2016/425. The manufacturer self-declares conformity, typically by testing to EN ISO 12312-1, preparing technical documentation and affixing the CE mark with the required labelling.
Are pickleball glasses required to meet a safety standard?
There is no mandatory eye-protection standard for pickleball at the time of writing. Brands that want an impact claim often test to ASTM F803, the racquet-sports eye protector standard, or to ANSI Z87.1.
