oSIST prEN ISO 12312-2:2025

Eye and face protection - Sunglasses and related eyewear - Part 2: Filters for direct observation of the sun (ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025)

ISO 12312-2:2015 applies to all afocal (plano power) products intended for direct observation of the sun, such as solar eclipse viewing.
ISO 12312-2:2015 does not apply to the following:
a) afocal (plano power) sunglasses and clip-ons for general use intended for protection against solar radiation;
b) eyewear for protection against radiation from artificial light sources, such as those used in solaria;
c) eye protectors specifically intended for sports (e.g. ski goggles or other types);
d) sunglasses that have been medically prescribed for attenuating solar radiation;
e) prescription sunglass lenses.

Augen- und Gesichtsschutz - Sonnenbrillen und ähnlicher Augenschutz - Teil 2: Filter für die direkte Beobachtung der Sonne (ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025)

Protection des yeux et du visage - Lunettes de soleil et articles de lunetterie associés - Partie 2: Filtres pour l'observation directe du soleil (ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025)

L'ISO 12312-2:2015 s'applique à tous les produits afocaux (non correcteurs) destinés à l'observation directe du soleil, par exemple à l'observation d'une éclipse solaire.
L'ISO 12312-2:2015 ne s'applique pas à:
a) aux lunettes de soleil afocales (non correctrices) et aux contre-verres pour usage général, destinés à la protection contre le rayonnement solaire;
b) aux équipements de protection de l'?il contre le rayonnement des sources de lumière artificielle, telles que celles utilisées dans les solariums;
c) aux protecteurs d'yeux spécialement destinés aux activités sportives (par exemple, les masques de ski ou autres types);
d) aux lunettes de soleil ayant fait l'objet d'une prescription médicale et permettant d'atténuer le rayonnement solaire;
e) aux verres solaires correcteurs.

Varovanje oči in obraza - Sončna očala in sorodna oprema za varovanje oči - 2. del: Filtri za neposredno opazovanje sonca (ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025)

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 23-Dec-2025
• ICS: 11.040.70 - Ophthalmic equipment
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• Technical Committee: OVP - Personal protecting equipment
• Current Stage: 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 16-Oct-2025
• Due Date: 05-Mar-2026
• Completion Date: 22-Dec-2025
• Directive: 2016/425 - Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC
• Mandate: M/571 - COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 19.11.2020 on a standardisation request to the European Committee for Standardization and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization as regards personal protective equipment in support of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council
• Mandate: M/571 AMD 1 - Personal Protective Equipement
• Ref Project: prEN ISO 12312-2 - Eye and face protection - Sunglasses and related eyewear - Part 2: Filters for direct observation of the sun (ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025)

Relations

• Revises: SIST EN ISO 12312-2:2015 - Eye and face protection - Sunglasses and related eyewear - Part 2: Filters for direct observation of the sun (ISO 12312-2:2015)
• Effective Date: 14-Aug-2024

Overview

The oSIST prEN ISO 12312-2:2025:2025 standard specifies requirements for eye and face protection products designed for direct observation of the sun, including solar eclipse viewing. This standard applies primarily to afocal (plano power) filters and associated eyewear such as handheld solar viewers, solar filters mounted on spectacles, clip-ons, and face shields. It ensures the safety, optical performance, and material quality of solar filters used for this specific purpose.

Importantly, ISO 12312-2:2025 does not cover:

• General-use afocal sunglasses or clip-ons for solar protection
• Medically prescribed sunglasses or prescription sunglass lenses
• Eye protectors for sports
• Protective eyewear against artificial radiation sources (e.g., solaria)
• Solar filters designed for optical instruments like cameras, telescopes, or binoculars

This part of ISO 12312 updates and replaces the 2015 edition to reflect advances in solar filter types and mounting designs.

Key Topics

Transmittance and Optical Performance

A critical focus is the luminous transmittance of solar filters:

• Maximum luminous transmittance: 0.0012%
• Minimum luminous transmittance: 0.00004%
• UVB and UVA solar transmittance maximum limits: 0.0012%
• Infrared transmittance maximum limit: 3%

Filters must exhibit uniform luminous transmittance across their surface to avoid vision impairment when observing the sun.

Material and Surface Quality

Filters must be free from visible defects such as:

• Bubbles
• Scratches
• Inclusions
• Dull spots or pitting

Metal-coated filters are allowed minimal pinhole defects within strict size limits. Both filters and mountings must avoid rough or sharp edges to prevent user discomfort or injury.

Filter Mounting Requirements

• Filters may be mounted in frames or used without mounting.
• Mountings should hold filters securely against wind or handling.
• Face-mounted filters must cover an elliptical area approximately 45 mm by 35 mm per eye, spaced by about 25 mm.
• Handheld filters have minimum aperture dimensions to ensure adequate protection.
• Materials in contact with the wearer must not cause skin irritation.

Labeling and User Instructions

Filters and packaging must include:

• Manufacturer, distributor, or supplier details
• Reference to ISO 12312-2:2025
• Clear instructions for safe use in solar observation, emphasizing the unsuitability of these filters for use with optical instruments (e.g., telescopes).

Applications

oSIST prEN ISO 12312-2:2025:2025 is essential for:

• Manufacturers of solar eclipse glasses and solar viewing eyewear
• Designers of handheld solar filters and clip-on devices
• Safety regulators and quality control bodies overseeing solar observation products
• Retailers and distributors providing certified sun observation equipment
• Educational and astronomy organizations promoting safe solar viewing techniques

This standard ensures that consumers and enthusiasts can safely observe solar events without risking eye damage from harmful solar radiation.

Related Standards

• ISO 12312-1: General requirements for sunglasses and related eyewear for general solar protection
• ISO 18526-2:2020: Test methods for physical optical properties of eye and face protectors
• ISO 18526-3:2020: Test methods for physical and mechanical properties of eye and face protectors
• ISO 4007: Vocabulary for personal protective equipment related to eye and face protection

Together, these standards create a comprehensive framework for the design, testing, and application of eyewear used in both general and specialized solar radiation protection.

---

By adhering to oSIST prEN ISO 12312-2:2025:2025, stakeholders ensure safe, reliable, and effective solar observation eyewear, reducing the risks of eye injury during direct sun viewing and solar eclipse events.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2025
Varovanje oči in obraza - Sončna očala in sorodna oprema za varovanje oči - 2.
del: Filtri za neposredno opazovanje sonca (ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025)
Eye and face protection - Sunglasses and related eyewear - Part 2: Filters for direct
observation of the sun (ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025)
Augen- und Gesichtsschutz - Sonnenbrillen und ähnlicher Augenschutz - Teil 2: Filter für
die direkte Beobachtung der Sonne (ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025)
Protection des yeux et du visage - Lunettes de soleil et articles de lunetterie associés -
Partie 2: Filtres pour l'observation directe du soleil (ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 12312-2
ICS:
11.040.70 Oftalmološka oprema Ophthalmic equipment
13.340.20 Varovalna oprema za glavo Head protective equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 12312-2
ISO/TC 94/SC 6
Eye and face protection —
Secretariat: BSI
Sunglasses and related eyewear —
Voting begins on:
Part 2: 2025-10-09
Filters for direct observation of the
Voting terminates on:
2026-01-01
sun
Protection des yeux et du visage — Lunettes de soleil et articles
de lunetterie associés —
Partie 2: Filtres pour l'observation directe du soleil
ICS: 13.340.20
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document has not been edited by the ISO Central Secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 12312-2
ISO/TC 94/SC 6
Eye and face protection —
Secretariat: BSI
Sunglasses and related eyewear —
Voting begins on:
Part 2:
Filters for direct observation of the
Voting terminates on:
sun
Protection des yeux et du visage — Lunettes de soleil et articles
de lunetterie associés —
Partie 2: Filtres pour l'observation directe du soleil
ICS: 13.340.20
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document has not been edited by the ISO Central Secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2025
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
Phone: [phone]
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements and associated test methods . 2
4.1 Transmittance .2
4.1.1 General .2
4.1.2 Uniformity of luminous transmittance .2
4.2 Material and surface quality .2
4.2.1 Requirements .2
4.2.2 Test method .2
4.3 Mounting .3
4.3.1 General .3
4.3.2 Area to be protected .3
4.3.3 Material quality .4
5 Labeling . 4
Annex A (informative) Use of filters for direct observation of the sun . 5
Bibliography . 7

iii
ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. The approval criteria needed for the different types of ISO documents
should be especially noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the ISO/IEC
Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent
rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of
patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity assessment,
as well as information about ISO's adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html
This document was prepared by ISO/TC 94, Personal safety — Protective clothing and equipment.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, ISO 12312-2:2015, which has been technically
revised.
1)
A recent study of solar viewers provided the basis for changes in the luminous transmittance limits for
solar filters.
Since the publication of the first edition of this document, different types of solar filter mountings have been
introduced. In addition to spectacle-shaped cardboard mountings (“eclipse glasses”) that were addressed in
the first edition, there are also handheld solar viewers and filters mounted in sunglass frames. Cardboard
eclipse glasses now come in both adult and child sizes. There are also clip-on filters for prescription
spectacles, filters that clip onto baseball caps and flexible roll-up plastic filters.
The requirements for mountings have been revised accordingly.
A list of all parts of the ISO 12312 series may be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
1) Chou B.R., Dain S.J., Fienberg R.T. (2021) Physical and visual evaluation of filters for direct observation of the Sun and the
international standard ISO 12312-2: 2015. Astron J 162: 103, 2021 September.  https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-3881/ac013e

iv
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025(en)
Eye and face protection — Sunglasses and related eyewear —
Part 2:
Filters for direct observation of the sun
1 Scope
This part of ISO 12312 applies to all afocal (plano power) products intended for direct observation of the
sun, such as solar eclipse viewing, including those worn on the face, attached to headwear or handheld.
Information on the use of filters for direct observation of the sun is given in Annex A.
This part of ISO 12312 does not apply to the following:
a) afocal (plano power) sunglasses and clip-ons for general use intended for protection against solar
radiation;
b) sunglasses that have been medically prescribed;
c) prescription sunglass lenses;
d) eye protectors specifically intended for sports (e.g., ski goggles or other types);
e) eyewear for protection against radiation from artificial light sources, such as those used in solaria;
f) solar filters for optical systems such as cameras, telescopes and binoculars.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 18526-2:2020, Eye and face protection — Test methods — Part 2: Physical optical properties
ISO 18526-3:2020, Eye and face protection — Test methods — Part 3: Physical and mechanical properties
ISO 4007, Personal protective equipment — Eye and face protection — Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and the definitions given in ISO 4007 apply.

ISO/DIS 12312-2:2025(en)
4 Requirements and associated test methods
4.1 Transmittance
4.1.1 General
2)
The transmittance requirements of filters for the direct observation of the sun are given in Table 1.
Transmittance values shall be measured and calculated at the boxed centre of the filter for normal incidence,
as described in ISO 18526-2:2020, 6, 7.1, 8.4, 8.5 and 10.4.
Table 1 — Transmittance requirements for filters for the direct observation of the sun
Maximum luminous transmittance (τ ) 0,001 2 %
v,D65
Minimum luminous transmittance (τ ) 0,000 04 %
v,D65
Maximum solar UVB transmittance (τ ) 0,001 2 %
SUVB
Maximum solar UVA transmittance (τ ) 0,001 2 %
SUVA 400
Maximum solar infrared transmittance (τ ) 3 %
SIR
The measurement of spectral transmittance of filters with high optical density can be best accomplished
with the use of a dual-beam spectrophotometer and comparison beam attenuators. The comparison beam
attenuator should be a physical barrier, such as a perforated mesh, equivalent to a known constant spectral
transmittance across the entire measured waveband.
4.1.2 Uniformity of luminous transmittance
The relative difference in the luminous transmittance value between the boxed centre of the filter and the
two points 20 mm to either side along the horizontal meridian shall not be greater than 30 % (relative to
the highest value) and no point shall exceed the maximum luminous transmittance value or fall below the
minimum luminous transmittance value in Table 1.
In protectors with a single filter covering both eyes or with separate filters for each eye, the relative
difference in the value of the luminous transmittance between corresponding points along the horizontal
meridian in front of the two eyes shall not be greater than 30 % (relative to the highest value) and no point
shall exceed the maximum luminous transmittance value or fall below the minimum luminous transmittance
value in Table 1.
4.2 Material and surface quality
4.2.1 Requirements
When tested in accordance with 4.2.2, except in a marginal area 5 mm wide, filters shall be free from defects
likely to impair vision in use, such as bubbles, scratches, inclusions, dull spots, pitting, scouring, pocking,
scaling and undulations. Metal coated filter materials shall not ex
...