Cost of Safety Footwear Manufacturing
across the UK

# Safety Footwear Manufacturing Accreditation

Safety footwear manufacturing in the UK is regulated and overseen by several key trade bodies and standards. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets the overarching framework under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, though it does not directly accredit manufacturers. Instead, manufacturers must comply with British Standards, particularly BS EN ISO 20345:2022, which specifies safety shoe design and testing requirements for protective footwear. The British Standards Institution (BSI) administers this standard and can certify manufacturers' compliance. Many safety footwear producers also seek membership with industry bodies such as the Association of Professional Safety Footwear Manufacturers (APSFM) or similar trade organisations, which demonstrate commitment to quality and ethical practices. Understanding these distinctions is important because a manufacturer certified to BS EN ISO standards has undergone independent testing and assessment, whereas trade body membership alone may indicate good practice but carries less regulatory weight. European CE marking is also relevant, as it certifies that safety shoes meet EU-derived safety requirements now retained in UK law post-Brexit.

To verify a provider's credentials, check whether they hold current BSI certification or equivalent third-party accreditation to relevant British Standards, usually displayed on their website or available upon request. You can cross-reference certification claims through the BSI's own database or by asking for a current certificate of conformity. Request sight of test reports from accredited laboratories that demonstrate compliance with BS EN ISO 20345 and any additional standards relevant to your specific requirements, such as electrical hazard protection or chemical resistance. It is also worth checking if the manufacturer is a member of recognised trade associations, though this should be treated as a supplement rather than a substitute for formal standards certification. This verification matters because accredited manufacturers have undergone rigorous independent assessment; their products are more likely to perform as claimed