Mandatory standard updated
This mandatory standard was updated on 22 March 2024.
There is a transition period until 21 September 2025 for suppliers to adjust to the new mandatory standard.
This mandatory standard was updated on 22 March 2024.
There is a transition period until 21 September 2025 for suppliers to adjust to the new mandatory standard.
A bicycle helmet offers protection to a cyclist’s head during impact. It features a:
Bicycle helmets are worn when riding a bicycle and other wheeled recreational devices such as electronic bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades and kick scooters.
The bicycle helmet mandatory standard does not apply to these products:
This mandatory safety standard applies to the supply of bicycle helmets into the Australian market. It sets out the design, construction, performance, testing and safety markings for bicycle helmets.
This information is an overview of how to comply with the mandatory standard. Suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance.
View the full detail of the mandatory standard.
The listed standards outline requirements for a bicycle helmet including:
Bicycle helmet suppliers should organise product testing through specialist testing laboratories.
The warning and safety information must be visible and remain clear and durable.
The helmet must be supplied with instructions for use. These should include fitting and positioning of the helmet.
State and territory road use laws specify the type of bicycle helmet that is allowed when riding on public roads.
Under the Australian Consumer Law, suppliers must ensure that goods are safe, of acceptable quality and fit for any disclosed purpose. If a consumer tells a business they are buying a bicycle helmet to ride on a public road, the business must sell them a bicycle helmet that is fit for that purpose.
See more information for businesses on consumer rights and guarantees.
The Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard 2024 sets out the mandatory standard requirements for bicycle helmets.
The accompanying Explanatory Statement has further information.
A bicycle helmet must comply with any one of the 6 following standards:
You can buy the Australian, European and US standards at Intertek Inform.
We can make a copy of these standards available for viewing at an ACCC office, subject to licensing conditions.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission or Snell Standard are available for free from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations or the Snell Foundation.
The mandatory standard was last updated on 22 March 2024.
Under the new mandatory standard, suppliers can choose to comply with one of the 6 listed voluntary Australian and overseas standards.
There is a transition period until 21 September 2025 for suppliers to adjust to the new mandatory standard.
This mandatory standard gives suppliers a transition period to adjust to the new requirements.
Until 21 September 2025 suppliers must comply with either the:
From 22 September 2025 suppliers must comply with the:
Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard. For more information, see fines and penalties.
Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.