Helmet laws are being changes to effectively allow helmets that meet Australian standard AND now a list of overseas standard to be sold and used legally.
Government Announcement
Implications
The implications are that helmet brands can save the $10,000 - $30,000 compliance / certification testing required (per helmet model) to get Australian certified helmets if they already have compliance with one of the new listed certifications.
In addition, the Australian standard tests differ slightly from other standard and means that in cases, brands had to construct their Australian version helmets differently which could mean optical differences, material difference and construction differences... all adds to the cost.
The review started in 2016 and now has these recommendations:
The new safety standard will now allow suppliers to sell bicycle helmets in Australia which meet any of the voluntary Australian and overseas standards listed below:
- Australian standard: AS/NZS 2063:2020 Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices
- Australian standard: AS/NZS 2063:2008 Bicycle helmets
- European standard EN 1078:2012+A1:2012 Helmets for pedal cyclists and for user of skateboards and roller skates
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission standard US CPSC 16 C.F.R. Part 1203 Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets
- ASTM International standard F1447-18 Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
- Snell standard B-95 1995 Bicycle Helmet Standard 1998 revision Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling.
It is expected to take 2 years for the Australia states and territories to update their laws.
Summary
This should mean that the cost of helmets can drop which is good news for all and reduces the cost and bureaucracy for brands and distributers.