Certification
Every pair of glasses we sell uses the same filter, tested to ISO 12312-2:2015 by an accredited laboratory and CE-certified as personal protective equipment. This page sets out exactly what that means and how to check it yourself.
The standard
ISO 12312-2:2015 is the international standard for filters used to look directly at the Sun. It sets limits on how much visible light, ultraviolet and infrared may pass through, requires the filter to be uniform and free of defects, and requires the maker's name and the standard to be printed on the product. A filter that passes lets through no more than 0.0032 percent of visible light. Ordinary sunglasses, welding glass below shade 14, smoked glass and camera filters are nowhere near that and are never safe.
The testing
Printing the standard on a frame proves nothing; counterfeit glasses before the 2017 and 2024 eclipses in the United States did exactly that. What matters is an independent test. Our filter is tested by ICS Laboratories, a laboratory accredited by A2LA, and retested every five years. The glasses are separately CE-certified as personal protective equipment under EU Regulation 2016/425 by Notified Body 2834, with the certificate valid to May 2031.
The paperwork
Every order ships with a certification pack. Every unit carries a QR code that resolves to its batch certificate, so a teacher, a council officer or a parent can check a pair on the spot. The full ISO test report and the CE certificate are available to any customer on request through the contact page.
Checking a pair yourself
Look for the ISO 12312-2 mark and the manufacturer's name on the frame. Hold the lenses up to a bright household lamp: you should see nothing except a dim image of the filament. Any pinprick of light, scratch or crease means that pair is finished. Undamaged filters do not expire, but check every pair before eclipse day, and never use eclipse glasses with binoculars, a telescope or a camera lens.
Questions about certification
What does ISO 12312-2:2015 actually test?
Transmission of visible light, ultraviolet and infrared through the filter, plus the uniformity of the filter, its resistance to damage, and the labelling. A compliant filter passes no more than 0.0032 percent of visible light and blocks almost all UV and IR. Sunglasses pass several thousand times more light than that.
Who tested your glasses?
ICS Laboratories in the United States, an A2LA-accredited testing laboratory, against ISO 12312-2:2015. The filter is retested every five years. The glasses are also CE-certified under EU PPE Regulation 2016/425 by Notified Body 2834, valid to May 2031.
Are they certified for Australia?
ISO 12312-2 is the international standard and the one Australian authorities refer to for eclipse viewers. Our testing lab advises the filter meets the applicable Australian eclipse-filter requirements. The test reports are available on request.
How do I check the pair in my hand?
Look for the ISO 12312-2 mark with the manufacturer's name printed on the frame, scan the QR code to confirm the batch certificate, and hold the lenses up to a bright lamp: you should see nothing but a dim filament, with no pinholes or scratches. Damaged pairs go in the bin.
Do eclipse glasses expire?
An undamaged filter that meets the standard does not expire. Condition is what matters. Check every pair before the day.
Can I get the test report?
Yes. The ISO 12312-2:2015 test report and the CE certificate are available to any customer on request through the contact page.