The Latest Updated Australian Bicycle Helmet Safety Standard

Australia’s Assistant Treasurers and Minister for Financial Services, the Hone. Stephan Jones MP, has established the Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard 2024. The standard will continue to provide strong guidelines for the design, construction, testing, and labeling of bicycle helmets, aimed at reducing the risk of serious injury or fatality among cyclist.

The standard permits suppliers to sell helmets in Australia that comply with any of the 6 following standards. Effective from March 22, 2024, suppliers have until September 22, 2025, an 18-month transition period to adjust to the updated requirements.

  • 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

Learn More: Product Safety Australia

  • US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard: 16 C.F.R. Part 1203 – Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets
  • ASTM standard: ASTM F1447:2018 – Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
  • Snell standard: Snell B-95 1995 Bicycle Helmet Standard 1998 revision – Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling.

CPSC Seeks Input on E-Bike Safety Measures

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) aims to make e-bikes safer. The advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) marks the beginning process under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) and the Federal Hazardous Substance ACT (FHSA). The CPSC is seeking feedback on mechanical hazards of e-bikes, alternative regulatory options, economic implications, existing voluntary standards, and plans for new standards to mitigate these risks. Comments are must be received by May 14, 2024.

As members and supporters of PeopleForBikes, please take a moment to review their letter regarding e-bike regulations. PeopleForBikes Statement on CPSC e-bike regulations.

Learn more: Regulations.gov

Toy Safety News: EU Parliament Approves Updated Regulations & U.S. Toy Requirement Effective April

Europe

The EU parliament has approved updated regulations on toy safety, aiming to reduce unsafe toys in the market and enhance protection for children. The rules include bans on harmful chemicals, stricter checks with digital product passports for traceability, and requirements for safety, security, and privacy in digitally connected toys. The regulations also align with updated General Product Safety rule and emphasize consumer rights to information. The next steps involve further consideration by the new parliament following the European elections in June. 

Learn More: European Parliament

USA

ASTM F963-23 with new requirements effective April 20, 2024. This standard sets safety criteria and testing methods for toys aimed at kids under 14, covering aspects like acoustics, battery access, materials, and labeling. Compliance is mandatory for toys sold in U.S., ensuring compliance with federal regulations and CPSC guidelines for Children’s safety

Learn More: ACT Lab

Cotecna Acquires Extensive Standard Technical Services Co., LTD (ESTS)

Cotecna, parent company of ACT LAB, acquires (ESTS), a reputable certification and audit firm specializing in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance.

ESTS offers a range of audit and certification standards, including SA8000, SMETA, SLCP, FSC, MSC, ASC,RSPO, ISO standards, energy audit, Higg FEM, BRCGS, HACCP, C-TPAT, and more.

Learn More: Cotecna

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