There are a number of different forms of certification for different product types ranging from self certification by a manufacturer through to full conformance testing by a Conformance Assessment Body (CAB).

When helmet standards were introduced in 1978 full conformance testing was required and testing was done by the Standards Association of Australia. This changed in 1990 with deregulation and the introduction of ACCC Consumer Protection Notice 9.

ACCC CPN 9 does not specify full independent testing by a CAB. The helmet manufacturers are self certifying their helmets meet the standards specified on the inner helmet labels simply by placing the label on the product and offering them for sale.

This is the same as the self certification of vehicle component compliance with Australian Design Rules (ADR's) by the vehicle manufacturers. We trust the vehicle manufacturers to meet the ADR's and they are required to provide information on components such as internal test reports and component design where there is a question over a component.

The state regulations have not been brought into line with deregulation.

The ACCC is required to conduct random testing of helmets to confirm compliance with the mandatory standard set in CPN 9.

Helmets are submitted for full conformance assessment by a CAB and the results provided to the relevant Authority in the country approval is requested. Either the Authority or the Manufacturer produces the UNECE Compliance sticker. All countries have agreed under the UNECE regulations to recognise the approvals issued in each country. This ensures helmet testing is only done once.

Helmets complying with British Standards Institute (BSI) are initially tested for compliance and the manufacturer is licenced to use the BSI Certification Mark on the helmets. There are ongoing compliance checks.

Motorcycle helmets sold in the United States must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218, Department of Transport (DOT) certification. DOT is a Self-Regulatory system. Helmet companies design and manufacture helmets to FMVSS standards and self certify. DOT conducts random helmet testing to ensure compliance.

Manufacturers sign up with Snell, helmets are initially tested and if compliant a licence to use the Certification Mark is issued Snell then conduct random testing of helmets selected from retailer shelves.