If you import or sell chainsaw protective pants, the fastest way to lose money is to ship product certified for the wrong market. Europe and the United States run two completely different certification systems, and a garment that passes one does not automatically pass the other. This guide explains both systems so you can specify the right standard before placing a production order.

Why leg protection is a regulated PPE product

The legs are the most frequently injured body part in chainsaw accidents. Chainsaw pants are therefore classified as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), not ordinary workwear. That means the garment must pass laboratory chain-speed testing, carry certification marks, and in the EU case be type-approved by a Notified Body before it can be sold.

The European system: PPE Regulation 2016/425 and EN ISO 11393-2

In the EU, chainsaw protective clothing falls under the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425, Category II (intermediate risk). The workflow is: manufacturer designs the garment, an accredited Notified Body performs type-examination, and only then may the CE mark be applied together with the body number.

The governing test standard

The classic standard for leg protection was EN 381-5:1995. It has been replaced by EN ISO 11393-2:2019, which is the current reference on new certificates. Both use the same protection classes based on chain speed:

• Class 1 - chain speed 20 m/s (about 65 ft/s)
• Class 2 - chain speed 24 m/s (about 79 ft/s)
• Class 3 - chain speed 28 m/s (about 92 ft/s)

Class 0 (16 m/s) existed under EN 381-5 but is no longer permitted for new production. Always check which class is printed on the CE label, because the class defines exactly which saw the garment is tested against.

Design types: A, B and C

The same standard defines how much of the leg is covered:

• Design A - front protection of both legs (180 degrees), plus 5 cm extra strips on the inner right and outer left leg. The standard choice for professional forestry work.
• Design B - chainsaw aprons (chaps) worn over normal trousers.
• Design C - full 360 degree wrap around protection, intended for arborists and irregular users working in trees.

The American system: OSHA, ASTM and UL

The United States takes a different route. There is no government type-approval; instead, the market relies on consensus standards plus third-party classification:

• OSHA 1910.266 - the federal logging regulation that requires leg protection for workers using chainsaws on the job.
• ASTM F1897-20 - the baseline performance standard for chainsaw leg protection (chaps and pants).
• ASTM F3325-20 - the newer standard covering chainsaw protective pants and scenarios such as electric saws.
• UL Classified - Underwriters Laboratories tests the garment and confirms it meets the ASTM standard. The UL mark is what US buyers actually look for on the label.

Practical takeaway for importers: a CE certificate under EN ISO 11393-2 helps your European customers, but US distributors will ask for ASTM F1897-20 with UL classification. Plan the certification route per market before production.

How the protection actually works

Contrary to popular belief, the protective layers are not armor. When the chain touches the garment, long tough fibers are pulled out and wrap around the drive sprocket, jamming the chain within seconds. More layers and higher fiber quality mean faster jamming. Typical constructions use 6 layers for Class 1 level garments and 8 or more layers for Class 2 level garments, wrapped in a durable outer shell such as 600D to 1050D polyester.

Frequently asked questions

Can one pair of chainsaw pants be certified for both EU and US markets?

Yes, but each certification must be obtained separately. Many professional brands carry CE under EN ISO 11393-2 for Europe and UL classification to ASTM F1897-20 for North America on the same product.

Is EN 381-5 still valid?

Existing certificates may run out their validity, but new type examinations are done under EN ISO 11393-2:2019. For new production runs, specify the ISO standard.

What should I ask a factory for before ordering?

Ask for the certificate number, the Notified Body or UL file number, the exact class and design, and third-party test reports. Then verify the certificate on the official EU NANDO database or the UL product iQ database.

Work with an experienced manufacturer

Aisycle (Quanzhou Aisycle Garment Co., Ltd.) has been producing chainsaw protective workwear and outdoor functional garments for European and American customers for many years. Both factories are BSCI certified, samples take 7 days, and bulk production 40 days after sample approval. Contact us for a quotation on certified chainsaw pants, aprons or full forestry workwear programs.