EN388:2016 Explained: How to Read Mechanical Protection Ratings on Safety Gloves
EN388 is a European standard that specifies how work gloves are tested for mechanical protection — abrasion, cut resistance, tear, puncture, and impact. Published by CEN (European Committee for Standardization), it applies to any glove marketed for hand protection in European markets. A glove's EN388 rating is expressed as a 4–6 character code that tells buyers exactly how each hazard was tested.
The 2016 update added letter ratings A through F for the ISO 13997 straight-blade cut test and an optional P for impact protection. This guide explains what each rating means and how to specify the right level for your application.
What each EN388 test measures.
| Test | Scale | Highest Level | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abrasion Resistance | 0 to 4 | 8,000+ cycles | Construction, heavy industrial |
| Blade Cut Resistance (Coup) | 0 to 5 | Index 10+ | Sheet metal, glass handling |
| Tear Resistance | 0 to 4 | 75+ N | Structural work, demolition |
| Puncture Resistance | 0 to 4 | 150+ N | Handling sharp objects, wire |
| TDM Cut (ISO 13997) | A to F | 30+ N | High-cut-risk environments |
| Impact Protection (P) | Pass/Fail | Pass | Knuckle and dorsal impact |
What does a rating like 4X44EP mean?
Under EN388:2016, a complete rating looks like: 4X44EP
| Level | Force (N) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2 to 4.9 N | Light assembly, packaging |
| B | 5 to 9.9 N | Automotive, light construction |
| C | 10 to 14.9 N | Sheet metal, fabrication |
| D | 15 to 21.9 N | Glass, heavy fabrication |
| E | 22 to 29.9 N | High-risk cutting environments |
| F | 30+ N | Extreme cut hazard |
EN388:2016 vs EN388:2003, what changed.
| Area | EN388:2003 | EN388:2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Cut test method | Coup test only (circular blade, index score 0-5) | Added ISO 13997 TDM straight-blade cut test (letters A-F). Coup test retained but TDM result takes precedence. |
| Rating display | Four digits: e.g. 4544 | Four digits plus letter plus optional P: e.g. 4X44EP. X means coup test not applicable when TDM is used. |
| Impact protection | Not included | Added optional P rating for knuckle/dorsal impact protection (pass/fail per EN 13594). |
| Pictogram | Four-digit shield | Updated shield with additional letter and P fields. Buyers should verify which version a glove is tested to. |
How to choose the right EN388 rating for your application.
Abrasion 3-4, tear 3-4, puncture 3-4. Cut level C if handling rebar or sharp edges.
See IronFlex Heavy Duty →TDM cut level D or E for glass and sheet metal. High abrasion and puncture ratings essential.
See ThermoGuard Pro →Oil resistance and dexterity matter as much as cut level. TDM B or C is typical for automotive assembly.
See PrecisionGrip MX →EN388 alone is not enough for vibration. Look for EN10819 HAV rating alongside EN388 abrasion and tear.
See VibeDamp Anti-Vib →EN388 does not cover electrical hazards. Arc flash work requires EN407 flame ratings and NFPA 70E compliance.
See ArcSafe Electrical →EN388 does not cover sting penetration. Beekeeping gloves are tested separately for sting resistance.
See ApiShield Ventilated →How AB Leather tests to EN388.
Our in-house QC lab runs abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture tests on every production batch using calibrated equipment aligned to EN388:2016 and ISO 13997 protocols. Results are logged against the specification for that SKU.
For formal CE certification, we use accredited third-party laboratories. Test reports from these labs are available to pre-qualified buyers for supplier vetting and import compliance purposes.
EN388 questions from buyers.
The four numbers represent: (1) abrasion resistance (0-4), (2) blade cut resistance (0-5), (3) tear resistance (0-4), and (4) puncture resistance (0-4). The 2016 update added a letter A-F for the ISO 13997 straight-blade cut test and an optional P for impact protection. A rating of 4544EP means maximum abrasion, cut level E, tear 4, puncture 4, and impact protection passed.
EN388:2016 added the ISO 13997 TDM (straight-blade) cut test, which is more accurate than the older Coup circular-blade test. The TDM result is shown as a letter (A-F) after the four digits. EN388:2016 also added an optional impact protection rating (P). If a glove label shows only four digits with no letter, it was tested to the 2003 version.
For general construction, EN388 abrasion level 3 or 4 and tear level 3 or 4 are typically required. For work involving sharp edges or metal, look for cut level C or D (TDM letter) or cut index 3 or above (Coup number). For structural steel or demolition, consider gloves with impact protection (P rating).
Yes. All PPE sold in the EU must comply with PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. Mechanical protection gloves (Category II and III) require CE marking, which includes EN388 testing by a notified body. Category III gloves (highest risk) require additional type-examination.
Yes. Our products are designed and tested to EN388:2016 standards. Third-party lab test reports are available for pre-qualified buyers. Contact compliance@ableather.com with your specific product and standard requirements.
Looking for EN388-rated gloves?
Browse our product catalogue or submit an RFQ with your required EN388 rating, volume, and target market. We respond within 24 hours.
Last reviewed: March 2025