Orange Bisley hi-vis reversible puffer jacket with silver retroreflective tape on the body and sleeves, front view

Hi-Vis & Workwear

ANSI/ISEA 107-2026: What Changed in the U.S. Hi-Vis Standard

November 12, 20267 min read

By Riley M.

Short answer: ANSI/ISEA 107-2026 is the new edition of the U.S. high-visibility safety apparel standard, released by ISEA on October 26, 2026. It changes sizing, test methods and labelling rules, but keeps Types O, R and P and Performance Classes 1, 2, 3 and E. In Canada, check garments against CSA Z96 and your provincial rule.

Workers who are struck by vehicles or mobile equipment often weren't seen in time. High-visibility safety apparel exists to make workers conspicuous around moving vehicles, equipment and other hazards. In October 2026, the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) released ANSI/ISEA 107-2026, the new edition of the U.S. standard for that apparel. Here is what changed, what didn't and what it means for Canadian buyers who already work to CSA Z96.

What changed from the 2020 edition

ISEA's announcement lists the main changes in summary form. It doesn't publish clause-by-clause wording, and the full standard is a paid document. The ANSI webstore listing confirms that ANSI/ISEA 107-2026 revises ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, but its description text still summarizes the 2020 edition. According to ISEA:

Sizing for smaller workers. The 2020 edition allowed a reduced amount of fluorescent background material only on the single smallest size offered. The 2026 edition extends that allowance to sizes up to and including Medium for Type R Performance Class 2 and Class 3 garments, and adds more precise sizing and measurement provisions.
Updated test methods. Laboratory test references for colourfastness, dimensional stability, tear and bursting strength, water resistance and reflectivity now point to current AATCC, ASTM and ISO methods. ISEA says the underlying performance thresholds remain largely unchanged.
Flame-resistant references. References are updated, including NFPA 1950-2025 and NFPA 2112-2023.
Clearer definitions of mandatory, recommended and optional provisions.
Reflective band design. New requirements for non-continuous reflective bands and additional parameters for split-trim designs.
Declaration of Conformity. A clearer requirement that manufacturers provide one for each style or model on request.
Lasting markings. Garment markings must remain legible throughout the garment's duration of use.
Hoods. Guidance so that non-fluorescent hoods don't obscure required high-visibility materials.

Those are ISEA's descriptions. Detailed requirements, such as exact measurements and test values, are in the standard itself.

What stayed the same

ISEA says the Type O, Type R and Type P system remains, as do Performance Classes 1, 2, 3 and E. The ANSI listing describes Type as based on the expected use setting, and Performance Class as based on the amount of visible materials and design attributes in the finished garment. The three fluorescent background colours (fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red and fluorescent red) are unchanged, along with core requirements for reflective performance and garment design.

The transition period

ISEA says the update "does not mean high-visibility garments compliant with the previous edition suddenly become obsolete. Following publication, products tested and labeled to both editions are expected to coexist during a transition period." ISEA's announcement doesn't give an end date for that period. For now, expect to see both 2020 and 2026 labels on the shelf.

What it means for Canadian buyers

ANSI/ISEA 107 is a U.S. consensus standard. In Canada, buyers commonly specify CSA Z96, and the CSA Group store lists CSA Z96:22 as the current edition. CSA describes Z96:22 as the fourth edition, superseding the 2015, 2009 and 2002 editions, and says it is designed to be in technical harmony with ANSI/ISEA 107 and ISO 20471. The Standards Council of Canada lists a 2026 reaffirmation review of CSA Z96:22. The notice was posted July 14, 2026, with a comment period from July 21 to August 12, 2026, and the status shows "Proceeding to development." That is a review of Z96:22, not a new edition.

Your legal requirement comes from your jurisdiction, not from either standard on its own:

British Columbia: section 8.24 of the WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation requires Class 2 or Class 3 apparel under CSA Standard Z96-15 for workers exposed to vehicles or mobile equipment travelling over 30 km/h, and Class 1, 2 or 3 at 30 km/h or less. The regulation names the 2015 edition.
Ontario construction: O. Reg. 213/91, section 69.1, sets its own garment specification for workers who may be endangered by vehicular traffic, including colour, stripes and night-time additions. See our guide to Ontario Regulation 213/91 versus CSA Z96.

A garment can carry ANSI and CSA markings at the same time, but one doesn't stand in for the other. For how the two systems differ, read CSA Z96 vs ANSI/ISEA 107: Canadian and U.S. hi-vis standards.

How to read a hi-vis garment label

Use the label and the manufacturer's documentation, not the colour or the product name, to confirm what a garment meets:

The standard and its edition. Look for the full designation, such as ANSI/ISEA 107-2026, ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 or CSA Z96:22. During the transition, both ANSI editions may be on the market.
For ANSI garments, the Type and Performance Class. For example, Type R Class 3. The Type reflects the expected use setting, and the Class reflects the visible materials and design.
For CSA garments, the class and any level shown. CSA Z96 classes are based on body coverage. Product listings often add a level as well, such as "Class 2, Level 2."
Dual markings. Some garments list both systems. Check that the CSA class your rule requires is actually marked.
Other claims, such as flame resistance or arc rating. These are separate ratings, so confirm them on the label.
Documentation. For garments labelled to the 2026 edition, ISEA says manufacturers must provide a Declaration of Conformity for each style or model on request. Keep it with the purchase order.

Then compare the label with the rule or site specification that applies, and with your hazard assessment. For the basics of why hi-vis matters, see the role of hi-visibility clothing in workplace safety.

Keyline Safety's stand

A new U.S. edition doesn't change what a Canadian worker near traffic needs today: apparel that meets the standard their jurisdiction names, in the class the hazard calls for, worn on the outside and kept clean. Read the label, not the colour. If a spec sheet only says "ANSI", ask which edition and which CSA class it carries.

What Keyline Safety does

Keyline Safety is a PPE and safety supplier in London, Ontario, serving Canadian workplaces since 1968. Our hi-vis range includes:

Collection: High Visibility Clothing and Hi-Vis Workwear
Collection: High Visibility Jackets and Parkas
Collection: Safety Vests and Hi-Vis Vests
Product: Bisley ANSI Type R Class 3 / CSA Z96 Class 2 Reversible Puffer Jacket
Product: Bisley ANSI Type R Class 3 and CSA Z96 Class 2 Jacket with Zip-Out Inner Jacket

Need to match hi-vis garments to a written site or provincial requirement? Ask Keyline Safety through our safety assistant chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is ANSI/ISEA 107-2026?

It is the current edition of the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel, released by ISEA on October 26, 2026. It revises ANSI/ISEA 107-2020.

Are hi-vis garments labelled to ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 now obsolete?

No. ISEA says garments compliant with the previous edition do not suddenly become obsolete, and products tested and labelled to both editions are expected to coexist during a transition period.

Did the ANSI Types and Performance Classes change in 2026?

No. ISEA says Types O, R and P and Performance Classes 1, 2, 3 and E remain, along with the three fluorescent background colours.

Does an ANSI/ISEA 107-2026 label meet Canadian hi-vis requirements?

Not automatically. Canadian rules are written around CSA Z96 or their own garment specifications, so check the label for the standard, edition and class your jurisdiction or site requires.