Cycling helmets in the EU: type examination, CE and production control
A cycling helmet designed to protect the head falls under the EU Personal Protective Equipment Regulation. For an ordinary category II cycling helmet, the route includes EU type examination by a notified body followed by internal production control. CE marking rests on that procedure and the manufacturer’s EU declaration.
The product and market in scope
A consumer cycling helmet, excluding motorcycle and specialised occupational uses. Define claimed uses, sizes and construction before selecting the category and test standards.
Protective use and essential requirements
Describe intended activities and users. Check essential health and safety requirements and the harmonised standards that provide a presumption of conformity for the aspects they cover.
Sources: European Commission · Personal protective equipment ↗
EU type examination
For category II, a notified body examines the type. Check the certificate’s coverage of models, sizes, components and variants. A test report alone does not replace the certificate required by this procedure.
Sources: EUR-Lex · PPE Regulation 2016/425, assessment procedures ↗
Production conformity
The manufacturer must keep production in conformity with the assessed type, draw up the EU declaration and provide required markings and instructions. The importer checks its own obligations before market placement.
Sources: EUR-Lex · PPE Regulation 2016/425, assessment procedures ↗
Documents to collect
- Design documentation, claimed uses, sizes and variants.
- Test reports and EU type-examination certificate covering the model.
- EU declaration, instructions and marking artwork.
- Production controls and component-change records.
Which documents should you request from a supplier? ↗
Who assesses conformity?
The notified body performs EU type examination; the manufacturer remains responsible for the product and production control. Verify the body’s notification and scope for the PPE concerned.
Developments to monitor
Monitor harmonised-standard references, certificate validity conditions and changes to materials, straps or retention systems. Assess a supplier change before incorporating it into production.
A worked example
Fictional worked example.
A brand replaces the buckle on an assessed helmet. Compare the new component with the type file and establish how the change affects the certificate and testing. Keeping the same model name does not demonstrate equivalence.
How Cleo can help
A product compliance assessment scopes the requirements and evidence for your product. Product monitoring then tracks the changes that affect it.
Have my product assessed ↗ · Explore product monitoring ↗
Official sources
- European Commission · Personal protective equipment ↗
- EUR-Lex · PPE Regulation 2016/425, assessment procedures ↗
Sources consulted on 5 November 2026. Product configuration, your business role and destination countries determine the assessment needed.
Frequently asked questions
Which products does this article cover?
- A consumer cycling helmet, excluding motorcycle and specialised occupational uses. Define claimed uses, sizes and construction before selecting the category and test standards.
Who is involved in the conformity assessment?
- The notified body performs EU type examination; the manufacturer remains responsible for the product and production control. Verify the body’s notification and scope for the PPE concerned.
Related resources
What documents should an EU importer request from a supplier?
A practical supplier document request for EU consumer products, with checks for model identity, declarations, test evidence and traceability.read ↗