The Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) Z97 has officially published ANSI Z97.1-2026, introducing the first major technical update to the American National Standard for safety glazing materials in buildings since the 2015 edition. While the 2020 version simply reaffirmed the existing requirements, the 2026 revision responds to the increasing adoption of advanced glazing systems by introducing new terminology, clarifying testing procedures and formally recognising vacuum insulating glass (VIG) as a qualified safety glazing product.

For the first time, the standard defines VIG as a factory-manufactured assembly consisting of at least two glass lites hermetically sealed around a highly evacuated cavity, with the gap maintained by microscopic support pillars. Under the new requirements, VIG must be tested as a complete insulated unit, rather than as individual glass panes. During testing, manufacturers must identify a one-inch exclusion zone around the perimeter for fragment analysis following impact. Depending on its construction, laminated VIG may be classified as Type 1 or Type 4, while tempered VIG can qualify as Type 2 or Type 4 safety glazing.

ANSI Z97.1-2026 also provides greater clarity for the industry-standard 100-pound (45.4 kg) leather shot bag impact test, which simulates accidental human impact. Products are classified into Class A, requiring resistance to a drop height of 48–48½ inches (1,219–1,232 mm), or Class B, requiring 18–18½ inches (457–470 mm). Products certified to Class A automatically comply with Class B requirements. The standard retains Unlimited size classification for specimens measuring 34 × 76 inches (864 × 1,930 mm) and Limited classification for products as small as 16 × 30 inches (406 × 762 mm). Manufacturers are also prohibited from claiming compliance for products with a nominal thickness lower than that of the tested specimen.

The revision strengthens traceability through updated marking requirements. Every safety glazing product must carry a permanent mark identifying the supplier or manufacturer, the ANSI Z97.1-2026 designation, the applicable impact class, and the size classification. The standard also clarifies responsibility for marking: original manufacturers must mark stock laminated glass, cut-size laminated products must be marked by the company producing the finished unit, while tempered glass must be marked by the fabricator that tempers the final cut-size product. Products intended exclusively for interior applications must also be permanently labelled “Indoor Use Only.”

The Canadian General Standards Board has already harmonised CAN/CGSB 12.1 with the new ANSI edition, simplifying compliance for manufacturers serving both the U.S. and Canadian markets. However, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) continues to reference ANSI Z97.1-2015 in 16 CFR Part 1201, meaning manufacturers must remain aware of current federal regulatory requirements until those references are updated.