Testing and Certification for Bullet-Resistant Materials

Test and certify bullet-resistant materials to UL 752 with UL Solutions. Support safety, performance and compliance against ballistic risks.

Testing and certification for safety and performance of bullet-resistant materials

For manufacturers of bullet-resistant materials, UL Solutions provides third-party testing to UL 752, the Standard for Bullet-Resisting Equipment, to help demonstrate compliance with safety and performance requirements.

What is UL 752?

UL 752 covers the performance of materials, devices, assemblies and fixtures used to create bullet-resistant barriers. These barriers are designed to withstand armed attacks, including high-powered rifles, shotguns and handguns, and protect against complete penetration, projectile fragments or material spalling that could injure someone standing behind them.

Why UL 752 certification matters

With increasing risks and evolving security needs, more property owners are turning to bullet-resistant materials to reinforce walls, windows, doors, windshields and enclosures. From banks and courthouses to schools and infrastructure facilities, UL 752 compliance helps stakeholders:

Address industry-recognized performance standards.
Support employee, customer and tenant safety.
Gain confidence in protective products and systems.

Recent updates to the UL 752 Standard

To address growing security challenges, UL 752 was recently updated. The latest (12th) edition includes:

Clarification of scope – UL 752 does not apply to personal protective equipment (PPE).
New designation system – Updated performance levels now include:
- UL-HG for handguns
- UL-RF for rifles
- UL-SG for shotguns

Improved organization – Performance tables are now separated by firearm type for easier interpretation.
Refined test protocols – Includes better definitions of test range setups, shot patterns, hit criteria, environmental conditioning and witness panel specifications.
Annex with firearm examples helps identify relevant risk types.

These changes reflect input from a diverse task group, including Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs), law enforcement, ballistics experts, manufacturers and standards professionals.

How UL 752 testing works

UL 752 testing by UL Solutions involves simulating close-range ballistic attacks on sample materials using common ammunition types (e.g., 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, 9 mm, .45 caliber). Here’s what the process includes:

Sample preparation – Manufacturers submit samples (typically 12 inches by 12 inches) and composition details.
Impact testing – Technicians fire specific shot patterns to simulate real-world scenarios based on the designated protection level.
Performance evaluation – Each product is assessed for resistance to penetration, fragmentation and spalling.
Rating assignment – Based on the results, products receive a UL 752 designation (UL-HG, UL-RF, UL-SG).

If manufacturers later modify their materials, retesting is required to maintain certification.

Ongoing compliance with UL Solutions Follow-Up Services

UL Solutions provides annual and quarterly factory inspections and product re-evaluations to confirm whether a manufacturer’s bullet-resistant materials continue to meet UL 752 requirements. Follow-up services include:

In-plant audits to evaluate materials and processes.
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy to determine whether current samples match original certified materials.
Performance evaluation testing to maintain rating integrity.

Why choose UL Solutions for UL 752 certification?

UL Solutions is a global leader in safety science, offering independent testing, inspection and certification to assess products for compliance.

Working with UL Solutions provides trusted certification from a globally recognized safety science organization, as well as ongoing guidance from experts in ballistics and physical security.

Get started with UL 752 testing

Whether you manufacture glass, laminates, plastics or composite protective materials, UL Solutions provides impartial third-party testing and certification needed to assess whether your product complies with the UL 752 Standard.