Overview
EN ISO 4465:2022 (ISO 4465:2022) is a textile sector standard, published in 2022 and adopted by CEN, that sets general requirements for animal welfare, production, preparation and traceability of Angora rabbit fibre, including rules for ethical claims and supporting information. The standard addresses the management of farmed Angora rabbits across the supply chain, from housing and feeding to fibre collection, record-keeping and labelling. It is intended to help organisations demonstrate responsible practices for Angora rabbit fibre used in textiles.
Key topics and requirements
The standard covers technical and management requirements grouped into clear topic areas:
- Animal housing and farming practices: structures, housing systems, materials, space and density, environmental controls (temperature, humidity, ventilation, lighting), equipment to support species-specific behaviours, cleaning and pest control.
- Diet and water management: dietary requirements, feeding routines, feed characteristics, forage/treats, purchasing and storage, and drinking water.
- Breeding and reproduction: artificial insemination, nest quality, fostering, lactation control, weaning and restocking practices.
- Health and biosafety: veterinary oversight, vaccination and anti-parasite treatments, medicines management, biosafety measures including controls for people and vehicles.
- Fibre production and handling: shearing/hair collection areas and procedures, rabbit handling during shearing, shearing cycle and methods to minimise welfare impacts.
- Identification, traceability and records: animal and enclosure identification, record keeping, traceability through the supply chain to support ethical labelling programmes and consumer claims.
- Transport and humane killing: requirements for transport and end-of-life practices where applicable.
- Ethical claims and supporting information: criteria for making and documenting welfare-related claims about Angora fibre.
Practical applications and users
This standard is practical for:
- Angora rabbit farmers and farm managers implementing welfare-based production systems.
- Textile manufacturers and supply-chain managers sourcing Angora fibres and verifying claims.
- Auditors, certification bodies and retailers assessing compliance with animal welfare and traceability requirements.
- Veterinarians and animal welfare advisors providing guidance consistent with the standard.
- Standards bodies and policy makers referencing a harmonised approach for Angora fibre welfare.
Benefits include improved animal welfare, consistent traceability, clearer ethical labelling, and stronger consumer confidence in Angora fibre products.
Related information
- EN ISO 4465:2022 is the CEN-endorsed version of ISO 4465:2022. National standards organisations within CEN members implement this standard; consult your national body for adoption details and implementation guidance.
