NIJ 0101.07 Is Live — But the CPL Isn’t: What Buyers and Sellers Must Know in 2025
NIJ Standards 0101.07 and 0123.00 have been official since November 30, 2023 — and testing is now fully underway. Test IDs began rolling out on June 2, 2025, starting with non-planar soft armor submissions, while hard armor and other product types are progressing through successive certification waves.
To help agencies, buyers, and manufacturers separate fact from marketing hype, IntelAlytic has released the exclusive 2025 NIJ Fiction vs. Fact Guide — a verified breakdown of common false claims, certification myths, and misleading terminology surrounding the NIJ 0101.07 transition.
Key fact: As of today, the public NIJ Compliant Products List (CPL) remains entirely 0101.06-certified. No 0101.07 products are listed yet. The .06 CPL will remain active through at least December 31, 2027, providing a structured transition window for both procurement officers and sellers.
Any claim of “0101.07 certified” without a published NIJ Notice of Compliance is false — only models officially listed on the forthcoming .07 CPL will carry that distinction. Expect the NIJ .07 CPL to debut in early to mid-2026, barring unforeseen delays.
Old Classifications End – New Threat-Based Codes Begin
NIJ Std 0101.06 vs. NIJ Std 0101.07 Threats Comparison (Table 1)
Note: The M855 threat applies only to RF2, and under NIJ 0101.07 the HG2 level now uses the 9mm FMJ, removing the .357 SIG that was part of Type IIIA in 0101.06
Official Resources:
Testing Changes That Matter
The new standard doesn’t just rename threat levels — it redefines performance validation:
Improved female armor testing: Includes new clay forms, shot placements, and scoop height criteria.
Backface Deformation (BFD) limits: 44mm maximum with new measurement method now governed by ASTM standards.
Higher Confidence: More test samples boost assurance in ballistic reliability.
Environmental conditioning: All models must endure heat, humidity, and mechanical stress.
Surrogate rounds: Standardized ammo for rounds with variable commercial loads (e.g., 7.62×39 MSC).
Reality check: A plate that passed Level III under 0101.06 may fail under the stricter 0101.07 testing protocol.
Transition Timeline — No Rush, But Start Planning Now
June 2, 2025: NIJ begins issuing Test IDs for soft armor.
Mid-2025–2026: Hard armor and additional submissions move through certification waves.
First .07 CPL listings: Expected Q1 2026 to Q2 2026.
0101.06 CPL maintained: Through December 2027 minimum.
BVP funding: Existing .06 models remain fully fundable until removed from the CPL.
Current NIJ CPL – 0101.06 Only
Fraud Red Flags – From IntelAlytic’s 2025 Fiction vs. Fact Guide
Fraud Red Flags for NIJ 0101.07 compliance (Table 2)
Free Download: Fiction vs. Fact 2025 – NIJ Standards and the Body Armor Industry
What Buyers Should Do Now
Cross-check every product against the live NIJ 0101.06 CPL.
Plan budgets for 2026–2027 replacements under .07 certification.
Require proof of Test ID for any product claiming “0101.07 pending.”
Prioritize female-structured models — they’ll carry distinct “Female” labeling on future CPL entries.
Leverage BVP funding — current .06 models remain eligible through the transition window.
For Sellers and Manufacturers — Compliance or Consequences
Drop “Level III+ / III++” marketing immediately — NIJ has warned against misleading claims.
Use HG1, HG2, RF1, RF2, RF3 terminology only.
Share your Test ID, not “pending certification.” Transparency builds trust.
Highlight female-specific submissions to stay ahead of procurement trends.
Continue linking to your NIJ .06 CPL listing until .07 compliance is official.
The Bottom Line
Standards: Live.
Testing: Active.
CPL Listings: Still under NIJ 0101.06 only.
Phase-out: No earlier than 2028.
Buyers: Verify everything directly on the official CPL — no exceptions.
Sellers: Market truthfully, use approved terminology, and prepare for the next compliance wave.
Misrepresentation risks not only credibility but contracts — and potentially lives.
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