Global Eyewear Standards

A Guide to Sunglasses Standards: EU, Australia, and the USA

When purchasing sunglasses or evaluating the ones you already own, understanding global safety standards is essential. These standards—established by the European Union, Australia, and the USA—ensure that eyewear offers adequate protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and meets strict quality benchmarks. Compliant sunglasses not only protect your eyes but also reduce the risk of long-term sun-related damage.

European Union Sunglasses Standards

In the European Union, sunglasses are regulated under two main standards:

• BS EN 1836:2005 for non-prescription sunglasses
• BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013 for prescription sunglasses

The ISO 12312 standard is recognized internationally, making it a global benchmark for eyewear safety. Sunglasses meeting these standards carry the CE mark—a symbol typically engraved or printed on the inner temple of the frame. This mark ensures compliance with UV protection up to 380nm (nanometers) and additional criteria like optical clarity and impact resistance.

Sunglasses in the EU are categorized based on the percentage of visible light they absorb (ABS%) and their suitability for various sun conditions:

Since the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020, products sold in Britain must now carry the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark. This marking became mandatory from 2021 onwards and mirrors the CE standard closely. As of January 2023, many sunglasses distributed in the UK display both CE and UKCA markings.

Australian and New Zealand Sunglasses Standards

Australia and New Zealand implement one of the strictest global standards for UV protection: AS/NZS 1067.1:2016. Like the EU system, this standard categorizes lenses based on their level of protection:

• Category 0: Fashion eyewear with no UV protection.
• Category 1: Fashion lenses offering minimal protection.
• Category 2: Sunglasses providing moderate UV protection.
• Category 3: High-protection sunglasses for strong sunlight.
• Category 4: Very high protection, not suitable for driving.

To ensure compliance, look for labels indicating that sunglasses meet the AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 standard. These regulations are enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), ensuring safety and reliability for consumers.

USA Sunglasses Standards

In the United States, sunglasses must comply with the ANSI Z80.3-2018 standard, which emphasizes UV protection, optical clarity, and impact resistance. Additionally, sunglasses are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensuring they meet these criteria before reaching consumers.

How Do These Standards Compare?

Although the European Union, Australia, and the USA have distinct regulations, their goals align: to ensure quality lenses with adequate UV protection, optical clarity, and durability. The primary differences lie in their specific testing criteria, categorization methods, and labeling requirements.

Tips for Choosing the Right Sunglasses

Finding a stylish pair of sunglasses is great, but ensuring they provide proper protection is key. Here’s what to look for:

1. Check the Labels: Verify compliance with regional standards—CE (EU), AS/NZS (Australia), ANSI/FDA (USA).
2. Buy from Trusted Sources: Purchase from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit or unsafe products.
3. Understand Lens Categories: Choose the right lens tint and UV protection for your environment.
4. Test UV Protection: Some opticians offer UV testing services to confirm that lenses block harmful rays effectively.

By understanding these standards and choosing compliant sunglasses, you can protect your eyes from harmful UV exposure while maintaining quality and style.