What does IWF approved mean for weightlifting equipment?
IWF approved means the International Weightlifting Federation has accepted a manufacturer’s equipment as meeting its technical specifications for weight, dimensions and colour, so it can be used at IWF-sanctioned competitions.
| What the specification covers | Example |
|---|---|
| Bar weight and dimensions | 20 kg men’s, 2200 mm, 28 mm grip; 15 kg women’s, 2010 mm, 25 mm grip |
| Disc diameter | 450 mm for competition discs |
| Colour code | 25 kg red, 20 kg blue, 15 kg yellow, 10 kg green |
| Weight accuracy | Werksan IWFCP discs: +50 g / −0 g |
Why it matters to clubs and schools
- Host sanctioned events: IWF competitions use IWF approved equipment.
- Train like you compete: lifters get used to the exact bar and discs they will meet on the platform.
- Confidence in the weight: approved discs are made to tight tolerances.
IWF approved, IWF training and IWF standard
- IWF competition: Werksan CCB20 and CCB15 bars, IWFCP discs, IWFCS25 change set and the IWFCP44 platform.
- IWF training: TB20 and TB15 bars, the IWFTBE10 technique bar, IWFTS25 change set and IWFTP training platforms.
- IWF standard: LionFit bars are made to IWF dimensions for everyday use.
Before you buy for an event
- Check the current list: confirm with your national federation which equipment your event requires.
- Ask for the product codes: so you know exactly which approved item you are ordering.
Common questions
Can I train on equipment that isn’t IWF approved?
Yes. Approval matters for sanctioned competitions; for everyday training, bars made to IWF dimensions, such as LionFit, are suitable.
Is Werksan IWF approved?
Werksan supplies IWF competition and training equipment. Werksan was the official barbell of the 2010 IWF World Championships in Antalya, and its bars and discs were used at the 2021 IWF World Championships in Tashkent.