CEN, the European Committee for Standardization, welcomes the publication of EN 1384:2023 'Helmets for equestrian activities’ as a harmonized standard (hEN), after its citation in the official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) on 11 December.
The standard was developed by CEN/TC 158 ‘Head protection’ following an official request from the European Commission under Mandate M/571 for standardization activities in support of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
This document specifies requirements for protective helmets for people involved in all equestrian activities, including, but not limited to, riding, driving, or handling and caring for horses. Compliance to it will reassure customers that when choosing a helmet, it will meet the same performance requirements regardless of where it comes from or who made it.
In particular, EN1384:2023 raises the bar in terms of safety: it introduces new performance tests in the form of the hazard anvil and increases the requirements for shock absorption and mechanical strength. After a long time without a harmonized standard (nine years!), it will bring consistency back into the market for equestrian helmets.
The citation of EN 1384:2023 in the OJEU provides the presumption of conformity to meet the safety requirements in the EU PPE Regulation. Harmonized standards simplify the process for manufacturers, notified bodies and other stakeholders wishing to clearly demonstrate that their helmets meet the health and safety requirements laid down in the regulation.
CEN/TC 158 wishes to thank the convenor and members of CEN/TC 158/WG 5 ‘Helmets for horse riders’ and the CEN/TC 158 Secretariat, held by SIS, for their contributions to the development of the standard.
