If you have a favorite pair of sunglasses, you’ve probably worn them enough to know them like the back of your hand. But, no matter how familiar you are with your go-to sunglasses, there may be a small detail you’ve never noticed before: a ‘CE’ marking on the frames.
Now that you’ve picked up on that never-before-noticed detail, you may have questions.
“What does that small ‘CE’ mean?”
“Is it helpful for my vision or eye health?”
“Is it something I want to see on my sunglasses?”
In this blog, we’ll answer all of those questions (and more!) starting with the most basic one — what is the ‘CE’ marking?
Understanding the 'CE' Marking on Sunglasses
The 'CE' marking on any product is an abbreviation for "Conformité Européenne" or “European Conformity.” According to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the presence of a ‘CE’ mark means that “the product complies with the safety regulations and the safety standards that exist in the EU to protect consumers.“
For sunglasses specifically, the presence of a ‘CE’ mark means the eyewear follows the relevant European Standards for protection, testing methods, and other quality- and safety-focused regulations.
What ‘CE’ Means for Quality, Safety, and UV Protection
When purchasing sunglasses with a ‘CE’ marking, you can safely assume the eyewear adheres to the following quality and safety assurances.
1. UV Protection
One of the most crucial aspects of sunglasses is their ability to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The ‘CE’ marking signifies that your eyewear meets the European UV protection standard, “protecting [your eyes] from UV-A (315 nm to 380 or 400 nm) and UV-B (280 nm to 315 nm) radiation.”
2. Optical Clarity
Sunglasses with the ‘CE’ mark must meet optical quality standards to prevent distortion and visual fatigue. This mark also signifies the sunglasses are clear enough to use while driving.
3. Safe Tint Levels
‘CE’-marked sunglasses also have regulated tint levels, varying from 0 to 4.
● Category 0: Clear or very light tint; 80%+ light transmission; not ideal for outdoor use
● Category 1: Slight tint; 43-80% light transmission; not ideal for outdoor use
● Category 2: Medium tint; 18-43% light transmission; suitable for everyday outdoor use
● Category 3: Dark tint; 8-18% light transmission; suitable for everyday outdoor use and very sunny locations
● Category 4: Very dark tint; 3-8% light transmission; suitable for extreme glare (i.e. snow) but not for driving
For sunglasses, look for Category 2 or 3 for optimal UV protection, glare reduction, and suitability for outdoor use.
‘CE’ vs. Other Certifications
While the ‘CE’mark is a widely recognized standard, other certifications also indicate quality and UV protection in sunglasses:
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
Sunglasses sold in the U.S. may comply with ANSI Z80.3 standards, a voluntary standard outlining requirements for UV protection, light reflection, impact and flammability testing, and polzarization (among other specifications).
Australian and New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 1067:2016)
AS/NZS 1067:2016 is a certification specific to Australia and New Zealand. Because of the high UV levels in those countries, these standards have stricter UV standards, alongside the more “typical” regulations around testing and tint.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certification
ISO 12312-3:2022 is a standard for sunglasses used in everyday and recreational activities like running or cycling. They regulate different standards for “material, design, performance, and marking requirements.”
How to Verify the Authenticity of Certified Sunglasses
Unfortunately, counterfeit sunglasses are highly prevalent in the eyewear market, and not all ‘CE’-marked products genuinely comply with the proper standards. Here are a few ways to check the authenticity of sunglasses with the ‘CE’ mark.
1. Check the Label and Documentation
Legitimate sunglasses should have the ‘CE’ mark visibly printed on the frame, packaging, or instruction manual. Some brands also provide additional certification documents for authenticity.
2. Buy from Reputable Retailers
The safest way to purchase sunglasses is to use well-known optical stores, authorized dealers, or brand websites. Avoid suspiciously cheap products as they may not meet safety standards.
3. Perform a UV Protection Test
If you want to verify UV protection, take your sunglasses to an optical store where they can be tested using a UV light meter. Some eye care professionals even offer this for free!
4. Look for Additional Certifications
High-quality sunglasses often carry multiple certification labels to assure buyers of their protection and safety. Again, some brands will provide documentation for authenticity.
5. Be Cautious of Suspiciously Low Prices
Authentic, high-quality sunglasses typically have a higher price point due to the materials, testing, and adherence to certification standards. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Wrap Up
Understanding what 'CE' means on sunglasses is crucial when selecting eyewear that ensures safety and optimal quality. By choosing ‘CE’-certified sunglasses, you can confidently protect your eyes from harmful rays while enjoying a stylish and comfortable look.
Explore our range of certified sunglasses today and keep your eyes protected in style!