EN 352: the standard for hearing protection

The main parts

Further parts of the series (EN 352-4 to EN 352-10) cover special types such as level-dependent hearing protection or products with an audio input. The series dates from 2020. For part 2, amendment A1 of 2024 also applies: since Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1279, the Official Journal of the EU lists EN 352-2:2020+A1:2024, and the earlier version EN 352-2:2020 is withdrawn from the list on 16 November 2026. EarProtect products are tested to EN 352-1:2020 or EN 352-2:2020, the dispenser and refill bags to EN 352-2:2020+A1:2024. The version is stated in each declaration of conformity.

What the standard tests

The core is sound attenuation, measured with test subjects in frequency bands. This gives the SNR and the H, M and L values, see SNR and H/M/L explained. There are also requirements for dimensions, mechanical properties, materials, marking and the information the manufacturer must supply.

PPE category III and the number next to the CE mark

Hearing protection protects against harmful noise and, under Regulation (EU) 2016/425, belongs to PPE category III, the highest category. For this category, a manufacturer’s self-declaration is not enough: a notified body carries out the EU type-examination (module B) and monitors production (module C2 or D).

The four-digit number next to the CE mark identifies this body. On EarProtect products it is 2777, the identification number of SATRA Technology Europe in Ireland.

2020 version, part 2 with the 2024 amendment

EN 352-1 and EN 352-2 were revised in 2020 and replace the 2002 versions. Part 2 was supplemented in 2024 by amendment A1 (EN 352-2:2020+A1:2024, in Germany DIN EN 352-2:2024-09). They are based on the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425, which replaced the former PPE Directive in 2018. When buying, make sure that the marking and the declaration of conformity refer to a version that is listed in the EU list of harmonised standards.

What is on the product

• Manufacturer or brand and model designation
• Number and year of the standard, e.g. EN 352-1:2020
• CE mark with the identification number of the notified body
• Attenuation values and instructions for use in the accompanying information

Checklist for purchasing

1. Does the part of the standard match the design: EN 352-1 for earmuffs, EN 352-2 for earplugs?
2. Does the product bear the CE mark with a four-digit identification number?
3. Is there an EU declaration of conformity that names Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and the standard?
4. Do the user instructions contain the SNR, H, M, L and the attenuation values per frequency, in a language your workers understand?
5. Does the attenuation suit the noise level, without overprotection?

Data sheets, user instructions and declarations of conformity for all EarProtect products can be downloaded from each product page, for example for the EP902 earmuffs.