What Is EN374 and Why It Matters
The EN374 standard is a European regulation that defines the level of protection provided by gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms. It is one of the most critical certifications for laboratories, cleaning industries, and manufacturing facilities that handle hazardous substances.
Procurement professionals rely on EN374 to ensure that the gloves purchased not only meet internal safety protocols but also align with international compliance frameworks. Partnering with verified Nitrile Glove Manufacturers helps guarantee that every batch undergoes consistent testing under ISO and ASTM equivalent conditions.
Decoding EN374 Pictograms
Each EN374-certified glove comes with a pictogram that shows its resistance type:
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Erlenmeyer Flask Symbol (Type A, B, or C): Indicates protection level against chemical penetration.
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Type A: Resistant to at least 6 chemicals for 30 minutes or more.
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Type B: Resistant to 3 chemicals.
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Type C: Resistant to 1 chemical.
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Micro-Organism Shield Symbol: Confirms protection against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
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Beaker Icon (Degradation Test): Indicates resistance to structural breakdown after exposure.
When analyzing specifications, remember that each letter (A–T) under the pictogram corresponds to a specific chemical—like methanol (A), sulfuric acid (L), or sodium hydroxide (K).
How EN374 Testing Works
Testing involves immersing the glove material in specific chemicals for a set duration. The breakthrough time—the moment chemicals start to pass through—is recorded to determine resistance.
Manufacturers typically report three results:
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Permeation Time (minutes): How long the glove resists chemical penetration.
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Degradation Index: Change in glove weight or integrity after contact.
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Penetration Test: Air or water leak check to identify pinholes.
Reputable Industrial Nitrile Gloves Manufacturers maintain in-house chemical testing facilities or partner with third-party labs such as TUV or SGS to ensure accurate classification.
Key Differences Between Industrial and Medical Nitrile Gloves
| Feature | Industrial Nitrile | Medical Nitrile |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 5–8 mil | 3–4 mil |
| Chemical Resistance | High | Moderate |
| Texture | Heavy-duty grip | Smooth for dexterity |
| Standards | EN374 / EN388 / ISO 374-5 | ASTM D6319 / EN455 |
| Use Case | Manufacturing, janitorial, automotive | Clinics, hospitals, labs |
Industrial nitrile gloves are built for toughness—handling oils, solvents, and harsh detergents daily—whereas medical nitrile gloves prioritize tactile sensitivity and hygiene.
Selecting the Right Glove for Your Application
✅ Laboratory: Choose Type A gloves with documented resistance to at least 6 chemicals.
✅ Automotive: Look for high abrasion resistance and EN388 certification.
✅ Food Industry: Opt for EN374 + EN1186 certified gloves to ensure both chemical and food-contact safety.
✅ Cleaning Services: Balance comfort with durability; Type B nitrile is ideal.
For companies managing multiple departments, sourcing from a single compliant supplier helps maintain consistency across operations.
Understanding the Certification Markings
Each glove box or label will display:
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The EN374 icon (flask symbol)
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The year of certification update (e.g., EN ISO 374:2016)
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Chemical code letters tested for resistance
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The manufacturer’s batch number and CE marking
Always verify that your glove shipments include full conformity documentation. If the EN374 code is missing or unclear, request a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) before bulk acceptance.
Best Practices for Procurement Teams
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Request data sheets: Review permeation times and degradation test results before placing orders.
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Set AQL requirements: For chemical gloves, aim for AQL ≤ 2.5 to ensure barrier integrity.
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Store properly: Heat and UV exposure degrade protective coatings.
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Rotate inventory: Use FIFO to prevent expired batches from entering production lines.
Choosing the right EN374-rated glove reduces workplace accidents, chemical burns, and costly downtime.
Final Thoughts
Chemical protection is not just about compliance—it’s about safeguarding workers and maintaining brand integrity. Partnering with qualified Nitrile Glove Manufacturers or verified Industrial Nitrile Gloves Manufacturers ensures traceability, safety consistency, and confidence in every shipment.
