ISO 20743 vs JIS L 1902: Antibacterial Testing Standards for Textiles

Key takeaways

• ISO 20743 and JIS L 1902 are test methods used to evaluate antibacterial activity in treated textiles.
• These test methods measure the reduction in bacterial  growth on treated samples in comparison with untreated samples
• Both standards validate antibacterial claims in textiles, non woven materials, home furnishings, apparels and hygiene fabrics.
• ISO 20743 describes three different inoculation methods to use for different textile structures : Absorption method, transfer method and printing method.
• JIS L 1902 describes qualitative and quantitative methods in testing procedure.

AEO summary 

Antibacterial textile testing assesses how effectively treated fabrics inhibit bacterial growth. ISO 20743 and JIS L 1902 are laboratory test standards to measure antibacterial efficacy by comparing reduction of bacteria on treated textiles with untreated samples. Though they have similar test methodologies, ISO 20743 is globally recognized and accepted while JIS L 1902 is often referred in Japan and Asian markets.

What is ISO 20743

ISO 20743 is a test standard that quantitatively evaluates the antibacterial activity of treated textiles. The method determines how effectively a textile inhibits bacterial growth under controlled conditions. The test compares the number of bacteria recovered from antibacterial-treated textiles with untreated textiles after incubation to provide scientific evidence for claiming antibacterial performance.

ISO 20743 is applicable to a wide range of textiles incorporated with antibacterial agents. It is applicable to both built-in antimicrobial fibres and post treatment coatings or finishes.

The standard is applicable for: 

• Knitted textiles
• Woven fabrics
• Non-woven fabrics
• Yarns
• Apparel, home furnishing and medical setting textiles

ISO 20743 test methodology

Methodology: ISO 20743 is a quantitative method to determine the antibacterial efficacy of treated textiles when challenged with test bacteria. This standard demonstrates three quantitative methods for inoculation – Absorption, Transfer, and Printing for antimicrobial textile testing.

To know more about ISO 20743 check out here – ISO 20743 explained in detail

ISO 20743 result interpretation

The test method does not specify a “pass or fail” criteria. The antibacterial activity is reported as:

• Log reduction value
• Bacterial reduction percentage

The results are usually reported as : 

Acceptance criteria are often determined by brand requirements, regulatory guidelines, or product specifications.

What is JIS L 1902?

JIS L 1902 is a test method originated from Japanese Industrial Standard, used to evaluate the antibacterial performance of textiles by measuring the bacterial reduction after contact with treated fabrics. This test method is widely referred to in Japan and across Asian markets. 

Scope of product testing is similar to ISO 20743.

JIS L 1902 test methodology

Methodology – JIS L 1902 is primarily a recognized method in Japanese markets. It offers both quantitative and qualitative test methods for  antibacterial textile testing.

• Quantitative methods –  Absorption, Transfer, and Printing which are identical to ISO 2743.
• One qualitative method – Halo Method.

To know more about JIS L 1902 check out here – JIS L 1902 explained in detail

JIS L 1902 result interpretation

In the quantitative method, antibacterial performance is indicated as an antibacterial activity value (A) on the basis of bacterial counts on control and treated samples:

• The calculation compares the logarithmic bacterial growth on untreated control fabric versus treated fabric after incubation.
• A higher A value indicates stronger antibacterial performance.

Result interpretation: 

• A < 2.0 – little or no antibacterial activity
• 2.0 ≤ A < 3.0 – Effective antibacterial activity
• A ≥ 3.0 – Strong antibacterial activity

Similarities between ISO 20743 and JIS L 1902

Mandatory test strains – ISO 20743 and JIS L 1902 standards specify Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae as mandatory strains for testing.

Scope of products to be tested –   Both tests can be employed on a variety of textile products including face masks, cloth, wadding, thread,  bedclothes, home furnishings, and miscellaneous goods.

Key technical differences between ISO 20743 and JIS L 1902

Regulatory compliance – ISO 20743 is published by the International Organization for Standardization and is globally recognized. Hence It is a preferred choice for global market acceptance. JIS L 1902 is a Japanese Industrial Standards set by Japanese Standards Association and has acceptability in Japan and Asian markets.

Qualitative data – ISO 20743 provides quantitative analysis data whereas JIS L 1902 provides both quantitative and qualitative analysis data. 

ISO 20743 vs JIS L 1902

Which standard should manufacturers choose?

Choosing the right standard depends on many factors:

Manufacturers should prefer ISO 20743 if they target for global market recognition as it is internationally recognized and accepted. JIS L 1902 should be preferred if targeting Japan or other Asian markets where there is local regulatory acceptance. For products intended to be launched in both Asian and international markets, both tests are conducted to ensure credible antibacterial claims and broad market compliance.

How long does Antibacterial textile testing take?

In antibacterial textile testing, the incubation period is 18-24 hours. Testing can take 2-3 weeks  to complete including sample preparation, inoculation, incubation and result interpretation

Key parameters measured in Antibacterial textile testing

Antibacterial testing of textiles evaluates:

• Log reduction of bacterial growth
• A or R value – Antibacterial activity value
• Bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect
• Growth inhibition compared to untreated controls
• Performance consistency post incubation

Applications of Antibacterial Textile Testing

Antibacterial textile testing is applied across many industries. They include:

Healthcare – Hospital bedding, Surgical gowns, scrubs and patient garments

Sportswear – Odor-control activewear, performance apparel exposed to sweat and moisture

Hygiene fabrics – Sanitary/personal hygiene materials, Wipes and absorbent textiles

Protective fabrics – Technical and Industrial fabrics requiring antibacterial activity

Why independent laboratory testing matters

Independent laboratory testing matters because it provides unbiased verification of a product’s antibacterial performance. Regulatory requirements in many markets demand standardized testing to ensure safety, efficacy, and compliance. Independent labs follow these standards, providing credible, defensible results that meet both legal and market expectations.

• Scientifically reliable antibacterial claims
• Compliance with regulatory and brand requirements
• Reproducible and unbiased results
• Increased market trust and certification readiness

Independent testing minimizes risks associated with unsupported antimicrobial performance claims and improves product acceptance across markets.

FAQs

What is ISO 20743 test?

ISO 20743 is a test standard used to  quantitatively determine the antibacterial activity of textile products. 

What is JIS L 1902 used for?

JIS L 1902 is a test standard used to evaluate the antibacterial performance of textiles by measuring the bacterial reduction after  challenging it with target bacteria.   What bacteria are commonly used in Antibacterial textile testing?

Typical organisms include Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352) , which represent Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

What is considered good antibacterial performance?

According to both ISO 20743 and JIS L 1902, higher the log reduction value/R value, the better the antibacterial performance.

Which industries use ISO 20743 testing?

ISO 20743 is used across healthcare, sports and activewear, hygiene fabrics and protective fabrics industries. 

How long does antibacterial textile testing take?

Testing under ISO 20743 and JIS L 1902 takes  2-3 weeks days including sample preparation, inoculation, incubation and result interpretation.