Bike Helmet Safety, Visibility Accessories and High-Visibility Vests – Advice to Economic Actors

In April 2021, the European Commission launched a control campaign (CASP 2021) to assess the safety and compliance of bike helmets, visibility accessories and high-visibility vests available in the European market. The main goal was to ensure that non-compliant and dangerous products were taken off the European market.

Belgium participated in this campaign and published a report summarising its findings, and containing some tips and recommendations for economic actors.

Advice to Economic Actors

• You must provide a declaration of conformity for all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• All PPE must comply with essential health and safety requirements outlined in the PPE regulation (by testing them based on the harmonised standard corresponding to the intended use specified by the manufacturer). If an opinion is required, the European Commission and national authorities are available for guidance.
• Verify that products are not counterfeit. As an economic actor, you must take the time to verify it.
• You must also check that markings and the declaration of conformity comply with European security requirements for the product. Personal Protective Equipments must bear the CE-marking. This marking indicates that the product has passed the EU type examination and meets essential health and safety standards. In addition, all PPEs must include the name and the address of the manufacturer (and of the importer when necessary), the type, the model's or the series' numbers and the lot number, for proper identification. A user manual or instructions for use must also be provided in the appropriate language.
• Reminders:
  • Clearly inform consumers about the necessary procedures for registering the products they purchase, so that they receive information on recall actions.
  • Ensure the clarity and accessibility of recall notifications, and always mention the hazards associated with the product.
  • Regularly monitor the effect of a recall action and adjust the strategy accordingly.
  • For detailed guidelines regarding recalls, refer to the "Recall of a product or other corrective measures" page.