CE Certification for Outdoor Jackets (EN 343 Testing)

What do “Waterproof Class 4” and “ret value” in EN 343 mean?

How to avoid costly pitfalls for businesses?

Read this guide and save up to 90% of mistakes when exporting to the EU!

Understand the EN 343 Standard — Don’t Treat “Classes” Lightly

Many companies applying for CE certification ask “how much to get the certificate” without understanding the core EN 343 standard — like building a house without a foundation; it’s bound to collaPSE.

EN 343is the “soUL standard” for outdoor jackets’ CE certification. It regulates the performance, testing, and labeling of rain and snow protective clothing. The “waterproof class” and “breathability class” determine which EU market your jackets can enter.

Waterproof Class:

- Class 1–4, higher requirements.

- Class 1:Basic, withstands 800mm water column for 30 min, suitable for urban commuting.

- Class 4:Top-end, withstands 2000mm water column for 30 min and passes seam waterproof testing, suitable for high-altitude climbing and polar expeditions.

- Case:A Zhejiang manufacturer sold Class 2 as Class 4, resulting in complaints, recalls, and €500,000 compensation.

Breathability (ret value):

- Lower ret value= better breathability.

- Class 1:ret ≤ 20, average breathability.

- Class 4:ret ≤ 5, excellent breathability.

- Tip:Outdoor professional jackets ≥ Class 3, casual urban jackets Class 2 is sufficient.

Labeling Requirements:

- Must indicate both waterproof and breathability classes, e.g.:

`EN 343:2019 Class 3/Class 3`

- Case:A Guangdong manufacturer omitted the breathability class; the shipment was held by Dutch customs, relabeling cost €30,000.

Product Testing — Don’t Try to “Wing It”

If EN 343 is the “syllabus,” product testing is the “final exam.”

1. Waterproof Performance: Don’t Fail at the Seams

- Fabric waterproof:Hydrostatic test (Class 4 requires 2000mm water column for 30 min without leakage).

- Seam waterproof:Same hydrostatic test; stitches and adhesive are weak points.

- Case:Fabric passed, but seam adhesive was missing, leaked at 1000mm; retesting cost 2 extra weeks + €12,000.

- Tip:Pre-test domestically before sending samples, focus on seams.

- Rain tower test (optional):Simulates heavy rain; many EU clients request it.

2. Breathability Test: ret value isn’t mystical

- MeasuRED using sweating hot plate method.

- ret ≤ 5 → Class 4; ret ≤ 10 → Class 3.

- Case:Target value not specified; only Class 1 achieved.

- Tip:Waterproof ≠ low breathability; fabric technology and coating thickness are key.

3. Durability Testing: Don’t Overlook Details

- Standards: Tensile ≥ 150N; Tear ≥ 25N; Burst ≥ 200N; Seam strength ≥ 150N/50mm.

- Case:Stitch spacing too wide (8 stitches/10cm), seam failed; adjusting to 12 stitches passed.

Technical Documentation — Stricter than College Exams

Technical files are the CE certification “archive”; missing or incorrect items can lead to rejection.

Required Documents:

1. Product design: structure diagrams, size charts, fabric/accessory specs, design drawings.

2. Raw material proof: EN 343 pre-test report, accessory compliance certificates (zippers, adhesives must meet regulations).

3. Quality control documents: incoming inspection, production process checks, final inspection standards.

4. Test reports: waterproof, breathability, durability — issued by accredited labs.

Pitfall Reminder:

- Update technical files promptly. Changing fabric or processes requires retesting and document updates.

Type Examination (Module B) — EU Notified Body “Final Assessment”

Process:

1. Document review: technical files & test reports.

2. Sample verification: may be retested to ensure accuracy.

Important:

- Samples must match mass production; “premium samples” are not allowed.

- Fraud results in certificate revocation and inclusion on the EU blacklist (3-year ban).

Passing yields a Type Examination Report, the “passport” for affixing the CE mark.

Affix the CE Mark — Don’t Get the “Position” Wrong

Requirements:

- Correct style: standard CE logo, clear, ≥5mm.

- Correct placement: inside collar, hang tags, packaging, and must be permanent.

- Include NB number: e.g., CE 0035 (TÜV Rheinland).

Additional Requirement:

- Prepare Declaration of Conformity, including manufacturer info, standard number, notified body number, signature, and retain it.

Summary: CE Certification is a “Door Opener,” Not a Cost

- Without CE, even excellent jackets cannot enter the EU.

- With CE, prices can be 20–30% higher than non-certified products.

- Key: Compliance — every step must be solid; shortcuts are risky.

- In 2025, EN 343 will add “stain resistance”testing; companies should plan ahead.

- For exports, stick to the bottom line; involve professional engineers when issues arise to avoid unnecessary losses.