ISO 16187-2025 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 16187:2025 — Footwear and footwear components — Test method to assess antibacterial activity. This International Standard specifies quantitative test methods for evaluating the antibacterial activity of footwear and footwear components treated with non‑diffusing antibacterial agents.

Abstract

This document specifies quantitative test methods to evaluate the antibacterial activity of footwear and footwear components. It is applicable to all types of footwear and footwear components that employ non‑diffusing antibacterial treatments. The procedures are intended for use in appropriately equipped microbiological laboratories and require trained personnel and containment measures when handling bacterial cultures.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: 21 February 2025.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 61.060 (Footwear).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2025).
• Number of pages: 14.

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details (publication status, edition and page count) are published on the ISO catalogue entry for ISO 16187:2025.

Scope

ISO 16187:2025 defines quantitative laboratory test methods to assess the antibacterial effect of non‑diffusing treatments applied to footwear and footwear components. The standard applies to all types of footwear and components where an antibacterial treatment is intended to act without diffusing into surrounding media. It does not address aspects such as long‑term durability in service, non‑microbiological performance requirements, or human safety and biocompatibility beyond microbiological test precautions. The standard replaces the 2013 edition.

Key topics and requirements

• Quantitative test procedures for measuring antibacterial activity of treated footwear and components.
• Applicability limited to non‑diffusing (non‑migrating) antibacterial treatments.
• Requirements for sample preparation, inoculation, incubation and recovery steps to obtain reproducible results.
• Use of appropriate control samples and reference microorganisms to validate test runs.
• Reporting of results in a standardized format to enable comparison between materials and treatments.
• Safety and laboratory containment requirements because the tests use live bacteria.

Typical use and users

Primary users include footwear manufacturers and component suppliers assessing antibacterial treatments, independent testing and certification laboratories, R&D teams developing antimicrobial finishes, and procurement or compliance personnel who need standardized test evidence. Regulatory authorities or conformity assessment bodies may reference the standard when evaluating claims about antibacterial performance of footwear products.

Related standards

ISO 16187:2025 replaces ISO 16187:2013 (withdrawn). Other related documents commonly used in the footwear sector include standards on general footwear test methods and safety footwear (for example standards produced under ISO/TC 216), which provide complementary mechanical and physical test methods. For lifecycle information and withdrawal of the 2013 edition, see the ISO catalogue.

Keywords

antibacterial, antimicrobial, footwear, footwear components, test method, quantitative assay, non‑diffusing treatment, microbiology, ISO 16187

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16187:2025 is an ISO International Standard that specifies quantitative laboratory test methods to assess the antibacterial activity of footwear and footwear components treated with non‑diffusing antibacterial agents.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation, inoculation, incubation, recovery and result reporting procedures needed to quantify antibacterial activity of treated footwear materials. It is intended for use in microbiological laboratories and is not a statement on biocompatibility, durability in service, or regulatory approval for medical claims.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Footwear and component manufacturers, product developers, independent testing laboratories, and conformity assessment bodies use the standard to generate comparable antibacterial performance results.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 16187:2025 is the current (published) edition as of 21 February 2025 and supersedes ISO 16187:2013 (withdrawn).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The standard is produced under ISO/TC 216 (Footwear) and is part of the body of ISO footwear standards used for testing, performance and safety of footwear and components.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: antibacterial, antimicrobial, footwear, test method, quantitative assay, non‑diffusing treatment, microbiology, ISO 16187.