This paper describes the basis and requirements of various standards for the manufacture of chemical protective suits currently under development by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Standards of both groups are aimed at improving product documentation to allow end-users to have better information for selecting chemical protective suits for their respective applications. NFPA standards will also establish minimum performance requirements judged necessary to provide acceptable levels of protection for end users involved in hazardous chemical response and operations. These standards cover the full range of chemical protective suits ranging from disposable coveralls to totally encapsulating protective ensembles. Documentation and performance requirements apply to suit materials and components as well as to the total suit. NFPA expects to complete their standards by late 1989.