ANSI Z87.1 and EN166 are two of the most widely recognized safety eyewear standards in the world. While both aim to protect users from eye injuries, they are developed by different organizations and have different testing methods, markings, and certification requirements.
| Feature | ANSI Z87.1 | EN166 |
|---|---|---|
| Region | United States | Europe |
| Standard Organization | American National Standards Institute | European Committee for Standardization |
| Main Purpose | Occupational eye and face protection | Personal eye protection in Europe |
| Impact Testing | High Impact (Z87+) or Basic Impact | Multiple impact levels (S, F, B, A) |
| Lens Marking | Z87, Z87+ | Optical class and impact codes |
| Certification | Manufacturer self-certification with compliance testing | CE conformity requirements in Europe |
| Common Markets | USA, Canada | European Union and many international markets |
The Target Markets
Z87.1
Selling primarily in the United States.
Supplying industrial customers in North America.
Meeting OSHA-related workplace requirements.
EN166
Selling in Europe.
Requiring CE-marked PPE.
Serving customers who need detailed hazard classifications.