Mandatory Safety Standards for Bicycle Helmets in Australia
The Australian market for bicycle helmets is subject to a recently updated mandatory standard, the Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard, effective from March 2024. This standard, outlined in the official document, specifies the design, construction, performance, and safety markings for bicycle helmets sold in Australia.
Key Updates and Transition Period:
The revised Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard, version F2024L00362, was introduced on 22 March 2024. To facilitate a smooth transition, a transition period has been put in place, allowing suppliers until 21 September 2025 to adjust their operations to comply with the new standard.
Scope and Exemptions:
The standard applies to helmets designed for use while riding bicycles, including those compatible with other wheeled recreational devices. However, certain helmet types are exempt from the mandatory standard, including:
downhill mountain bicycle racing helmets
BMX bicycle competitive racing helmets
toy helmets
motorcycle helmets
helmets exclusively used with non-bicycle recreational devices.
Requirements and Compliance:
During the transitional period, regulated bicycle helmets must comply either with the requirements stated in Part 3 of the new standard or with the Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard) (Bicycle Helmets) Regulations 2001. After the transitional period, all regulated bicycle helmets must comply with the requirements specified in Part 3.
Part 3 Details and Standards:
Part 3 of the standard outlines the specific requirements for regulated bicycle helmets. A regulated helmet is considered compliant if it meets the provisions of any of the following recognized standards:
Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2063:2020, Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices,
Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2063:2008, Bicycle helmets
European Standard EN 1078:2012+A1:2012, Helmets for pedal cyclists and for users of skateboards and roller skates
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard ASTM F1447:2018, Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. Part 1203), Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets
Snell B 95, 1995 Bicycle Helmet Standard, 1998 revision Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling
Suppliers of bicycle helmets in Australia must ensure their products meet the updated safety standards within the specified transition period. Adhering to the revised standard is crucial for compliance, maintaining consumer trust, and ensuring the safety of end-users.
To ensure compliance for helmets, it is recommended to have sports equipment testing conducted by a reliable third-party provider such as QIMA.
For the latest updates on product safety standards and regulations, visit Regulatory Updates. We provide regular updates to help you stay informed and ensure compliance with the latest requirements.
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