Buying helmets internationally.

Massive grave dig on this topic.

Just got an email from Rudy Project mentioning that the Government now approves the use of EU 1078 certified helmets.

Might be the end of the AS label. Maybe more helmet choice with better pricing.
We will see.

Blurb below...

Exciting News for Bicycle Enthusiasts in Australia



We're thrilled to announce a significant update regarding bicycle helmet standards in Australia. On March 23, 2024, the Australian Government, in collaboration with the Assistant Treasurer, The Hon Stephen Jones MP, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), made a pivotal decision to adapt to modern times by amending the old Australian standards governing bicycle helmets.


Helmet Safety Standard



This momentous change now permits the adoption and sale of "international" standards-compliant helmets within Australia. Among these international standards, the prominent European Union standard, EU 1078, stands out.
Click to expand...
 
silentbutdeadly said:
True. And yet...
www.productsafety.gov.au

Bicycle helmets mandatory standard

A mandatory safety standard applies to the supply of bicycle helmets to be worn when riding bikes and other recreational wheeled devices. The standard sets out the design, construction, performance, testing and safety markings for bicycle helmets.
www.productsafety.gov.au www.productsafety.gov.au
Click to expand...
that's good though right?

previously had to comply with:
- AS/NZS 2063:2008 – Bicycle Helmets
...and did not apply to "competitive racing helmets" (which can be less protective?)


from now, they can comply with any of:
- AS/NZS 2063:2008 (ie, current helmets stay compliant, no change if manufacturer doesn't want to)
- AS/NZS 2063:2020
- EN 1078:2012+A1:2012
- US CPSC 16 C.F.R. Part 1203
- ASTM F1447-18
- Snell B-95

...and now does not apply to:
(a) a helmet for use mainly:
(i) for downhill mountain bicycle competitive racing (or related practice); or
(ii) for BMX bicycle competitive racing (or related practice)

so... more OS helmets can be imported and sold? good no?
the 18 month transition period is kind of pointless as doesn't stop any helmet currently sold?


Old law

Federal Register of Legislation - Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard) (Bicycle Helmets) Regulations 2001

www.legislation.gov.au www.legislation.gov.au

New law

Federal Register of Legislation - Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard 2024

www.legislation.gov.au www.legislation.gov.au
 
I'll add to this conversation just as a matter of interest and really pushing deep into the situation... Yes, the Federal Gov will now accept US and EN standards along with AU. This is a good thing and a long time coming .. But its only 1 part of the puzzle.

The current downside right now is that Helmet usage laws are dictated by each individual state ... So at this point all states still only reference the AU standard as legalally accepted.
The Federal Gov have recommended that each state do move to accept the other now recognised standards ... BUT ... as we know... the wheels of government move slowly ( almost backwards) so it may be some time before the newly recognised standards become actually legal in each state.
 
See below from Escape.cc, note the second paragraph...

1712278311656.png
 
They tried to do this with cars, but sadly the importers and dealers kicked up a stink and the minister caved in to protect their rather profitable businesses...
 
oldcorollas said:
Won't be using on road.. just want to be able to buy nice light FF that is currently bannnned from importing :)
Click to expand...
You can buy helmets from overseas as an individual. The issue is using them on the road or being in an accident that involves an insurance claim.
 
Haakon said:
They tried to do this with cars, but sadly the importers and dealers kicked up a stink and the minister caved in to protect their rather profitable businesses...
Click to expand...

It's not really a " profitable business" for AU importers - especially in a global market place and attempting to keep pricing level with OS ..
It can be difficult to recoup the costs of AU testing given the real market size.
It costs quite a bit to test to AU standards ( even though the other international standards are totally relevant)
On a " interesting note" Standards Australia is a mandated charity organisation... which broke off the " Selling the standards" part and called it SAI Global quite a few years ago and listed on the stock exchange ....
Having a mandated standard works pretty well for shareholders when the company that sells the standard is stock exchange listed.
AU Standards were supposed to be voluntary and according the the World Trade treaty and Standards Australia mandate .. a singular country standard is not to be released if there are already other globally applicable standards in place.

The same thing happened with motorcycle helmets quite a few years ago ( could only sell AU standard helmets ) and thats now changed to recognise most of the international standards.
 
Helmets were another part of the geoblock or at least around the same time.
Most overseas sellers stopped making helmets available to Australia back when we lost the big SS.

The honey holes continued to sell them.
 
xero said:
It's not really a " profitable business" for AU importers - especially in a global market place and attempting to keep pricing level with OS ..
It can be difficult to recoup the costs of AU testing given the real market size.
It costs quite a bit to test to AU standards ( even though the other international standards are totally relevant)
On a " interesting note" Standards Australia is a mandated charity organisation... which broke off the " Selling the standards" part and called it SAI Global quite a few years ago and listed on the stock exchange ....
Having a mandated standard works pretty well for shareholders when the company that sells the standard is stock exchange listed.
AU Standards were supposed to be voluntary and according the the World Trade treaty and Standards Australia mandate .. a singular country standard is not to be released if there are already other globally applicable standards in place.

The same thing happened with motorcycle helmets quite a few years ago ( could only sell AU standard helmets ) and thats now changed to recognise most of the international standards.
Click to expand...
I down know about other consumer products, but locking individuals out of importing their own cars and having recognition of EU/US/Japanese etc standards for use here was likely to undercut the dealers. The FCAI had a shitfit and made some bullshit excuses about them generously trying to protect consumers and the minister fell into line. It was all pretty pathetic, and I was denied my Laguna 3 GT Coupe...
 
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