EN 374 vs EN 455: The Core Difference (Direct Answer)

EN 374 governs chemical and micro-organism protection for protective gloves, while EN 455 governs the quality and safety of medical gloves for single use. In short: if your priority is chemical resistance → look for EN 374. If your priority is patient/healthcare safety → look for EN 455. Many industrial buyers need both, but they serve fundamentally different purposes.

    • EN 374 = "Can this glove protect me from chemicals and micro-organisms?"

    • EN 455 = "Is this glove safe and reliable for medical examination/surgery?"

Quick Comparison Table

EN 374: Deep Dive

EN 374 is a series of standards under the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. It applies to protective gloves designed to shield the wearer from hazardous chemicals and micro-organisms.

Parts of EN 374

EN 374 Chemical Type Classification

EN 455: Deep Dive

EN 455 is a series of standards under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745. It applies to gloves intended for medical use — examination, diagnosis, and therapeutic procedures.

Parts of EN 455

When Do You Need Both Standards?

Some products must comply with both EN 374 and EN 455 simultaneously. This is common for:

    • Chemotherapy gloves — Must meet EN 455 for medical use AND EN 374 for cytotoxic drug permeation

    • Laboratory medical gloves — Used in clinical labs where both patient contact and chemical exposure occur

    • Emergency response gloves — Where healthcare workers may encounter unknown substances

How to identify dual-certified gloves: Look for both markings on the packaging: "EN 455" + "EN 374" with chemical codes and CE mark.

Which Standard Should You Look For?

1. Are you using gloves for medical examination or surgery? → EN 455 is mandatory

2. Are you handling chemicals in an industrial or lab setting? → EN 374 is required

3. Are you a dental professional? → EN 455 (medical) + optionally EN 374 if handling chemical disinfectants

4. Are you in food processing? → Neither is mandatory; look for EU 10/2011 or FDA 21 CFR 177 for food contact compliance

5. Are you importing to the GCC? → GSO 4872 aligns with both EN 455 and EN 374 principles

FAQ

Q: Can a glove be both EN 374 and EN 455 certified?

A: Yes. Many high-quality nitrile gloves carry both certifications. These are typically used in clinical laboratory settings or for chemotherapy drug handling. The glove must pass the AQL 1.5 pinhole test (EN 455-1) AND the chemical permeation test (EN 374-1) to carry both marks.

Q: Is EN 455 mandatory for all gloves sold in Europe?

A: No. EN 455 is mandatory only for gloves marketed as "medical gloves." Industrial, food-handling, and general-purpose gloves do not require EN 455. However, they may need EN 374 if they claim chemical protection.

Q: What's the difference between EN 374-2 and EN 455-1 water leak tests?

A: Both tests check for pinholes, but the acceptance criteria differ. EN 455-1 requires AQL 1.5 (medical grade), while EN 374-2 typically requires AQL 2.5 (industrial grade). The test method is similar — filling the glove with water and checking for leaks.

Q: Do I need EN 374 for gloves used with cleaning products?

A: If the cleaning products contain hazardous chemicals (as defined by CLP Regulation), then yes — the employer must provide EN 374-certified gloves as PPE. For domestic cleaning with mild detergents, non-certified gloves may be sufficient, but certified gloves are always safer.

About JIXIANG: JIXIANG nitrile gloves are certified to EN 455-1/2/3/4 (medical grade, AQL 1.5) and EN 374 (chemical protection, Type B). Our ISO 13485-certified production ensures consistent quality for healthcare, laboratory, and industrial applications.

Visit www.jxgloves.com/contact for certifications and samples.