How to Read a Safety Footwear Test Report: 5 Sections Importers Must Verify
A CE certificate tells you a model was certified. The test report tells you what was actually measured — and whether the boots in your container match the paperwork. For B2B importers, the report is the document that survives a customs hold or a market-surveillance audit, so reading it correctly is not optional.
This guide walks through the five sections every importer should verify before signing a purchase order, and the mismatches that turn a “certified” boot into a liability.
Why the Test Report Matters More Than the Certificate
A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a manufacturer’s statement. A test report is third-party evidence from a notified body. If the two disagree — or if the report covers a different model — the DoC alone will not protect you. Our CE vs “safety style” red-flag guide covers the legal backdrop; this article focuses on the document itself.
The 5 Sections to Verify
- Header: applicant, manufacturer, and model. The report must name the exact model and version you are importing, not a “series” or a similar style. Check the SKU, upper/sole material, and toe-cap type against your order.
- Standard and classification. Confirm the standard is EN ISO 20345 (safety footwear) with the correct class — SB, S1, S1P, S2, S3, S4, S5 — and any additional codes (P, C, A, E, WR, SRC, ESD, HRO…). A report citing EN 20347 (occupational, non-safety) does not cover safety footwear.
- Performance test results. The results table should show the actual measured values: toe-cap impact/compression, midsole penetration resistance, sole puncture, antistatic range (0.1–1000 MΩ), ESD (<35 MΩ or 0.1–35 MΩ per class), and slip resistance rating (SRA/SRB/SRC). Verify each value meets the claimed marking.
- Notified body and accreditation. The testing lab must be an EU notified body with a four-digit NB number, and the report should show its accreditation (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025). Cross-check the NB number on the EU NANDO database.
- Date, version, and traceability. Test reports expire when the model, materials, or standard change. Confirm the report date is current and tied to the production version you will receive. A report from three seasons ago for a “similar” mold is not coverage.
Section-by-Section Checklist
| Section | What to confirm | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Header | Exact model, SKU, materials, toe cap | “Series”/generic model name |
| Standard | EN ISO 20345 + correct S-class & codes | EN 20347 or missing year |
| Results | Measured values match claimed marking | Values absent or below class |
| Notified body | Named NB + 4-digit number + 17025 | In-house lab, no NB number |
| Date/version | Current, matches production version | Old report, different mold |
Common Mismatches Importers Miss
| What the report says | What the boot actually is | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Tested as S3 SRC | Shipped as S1 (no midsole penetration) | Non-conforming for site hazard |
| Antistatic 0.1–1000 MΩ | Shipped ESD-grade only | Wrong for antistatic buyers |
| EN ISO 20345 | Carton labelled EN 20347 | Not safety PPE in EU |
| One model tested | Three variants in container | Uncovered SKUs |
Verify Before Volume, Not at the Port
The cheapest place to catch a mismatch is before production. Three steps protect B2B buyers:
- Request the report up front for the exact model and version, and check the NB number on NANDO.
- Test a pre-production sample — our sample inspection guide explains how a small batch confirms the physical boot matches the paper.
- Audit the factory — a factory audit verifies the QA system behind the certificate, not just one report.
For chemical-exposed sites, remember chemical resistance is a separate standard (EN 13832-2), not part of EN ISO 20345 — see our chemical-resistant boots guide. And for the marking codes themselves, read our EN ISO 20345 boot-code explainer.
FAQ
Is a test report the same as a CE certificate?
No. A CE certificate or Declaration of Conformity is the manufacturer’s conformity statement; a test report is the third-party notified-body evidence showing what was actually measured. Importers should keep both, but the test report is the document that proves the claimed performance.
How do I know the test report covers my exact model?
Match the model name, SKU, upper/sole material, and toe-cap type on the report to your purchase order. A report for a “series” or a visually similar mold does not cover a different SKU — certificates are model-specific.
Does EN ISO 20345 cover chemical resistance?
No. EN ISO 20345 covers general safety footwear. Chemical resistance is a separate standard (EN 13832-2). If your buyers need chemical protection, confirm a distinct test and marking, not just “CE.”
How old can a test report be and still be valid?
A report stays valid only while the model, materials, and referenced standard are unchanged. If the supplier changed the sole, upper, toe cap, or production version, a new test is required. Treat an old report for a “similar” mold as not covering your current order.
Conclusion
The test report is the proof behind the promise. Verify the five sections — header, standard, results, notified body, and date/version — and confirm the physical boot matches before you commit volume. A 20-minute document check prevents a container-load of non-conforming PPE.
Need a conforming-quotation checklist applied to your specific model? Contact our team at info@litaishoes.com — we can walk through what a genuine test report should show for your target market.
Disclaimer: This article is general procurement guidance, not legal advice. Conformity requirements vary by market (EU, UK, Australia, etc.); always confirm the current applicable regulation and standard with a qualified compliance consultant or notified body before import.
External references: EU NANDO notified-body database (ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/nando); EU OSHA (osha.europa.eu).
