Interchangeable components which are essential for the protective function of the PPE.

Connexion systems for PPE that are not held or worn by a person, that are designed to connect that equipment to an external device or to a reliable anchorage point , that are not designed to be permanently fixed and that do not require fastening works before use. 

Clothing intended for private use with reflective or fluorescent elements included for reasons of design or decoration is not PPE and therefore is not covered by this Regulation.

Products for private use to protect against atmospheric conditions that are not of an extreme nature or to protect against damp and water are not covered.

PPE for private use against heat, i.e., oven gloves are now covered and should be in line with similar products designed for professional use.

Products offering protection against the following have been moved from Category II to Category III PPE – drowning, cuts by hand-held chainsaws, high-pressure jets, bullet wounds or knife stabs and harmful noise. These items will need to be re-classified and include on-going surveillance.

A web link to the Declaration of Conformity must be given in conjunction with the PPE.

A  five-year validity period for EU Type Certificates (this has changed from EC Type Certificates).

Details for the responsibilities for importers and distributors are given.

Bespoke PPE are now covered. 

It was published on 31.03.2016

It shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal

It shall apply from 21.04.2018

Members States shall not impede the making available of products covered by Directive 89/686/EEC which are in conformity with that Directive and which were placed on the market before 21.04.2018

EC Type Examination Certificates issued under Directive 89/686/EEC shall remain valid until 21.04.2023 unless they expire before that date 

It is a legal requirement for all manufacturers and their supply chain to comply with the regulation

Importers, distributors and manufacturers should take appropriate measures to ensure that PPE meets all requirements and that they only make available on the market products which comply with Regulation 2016/425

Importers shall ensure that the PPE is accompanied by the user information. The manufacturer shall either provide the EU declaration of conformity with the PPE or include in the user information the internet address at which   the EU declaration of conformity can be accessed

Manufacturer shall detail their internal quality procedures with their technical documentation 

Validity periods

EU type certificates will have a validity of 5 years

It will be the responsibility of the manufacturer to ask the notified body to review the EU type certificate either:

In case of a modification

In case of a change in standard, essential health and safey requirements (EHSR) or state-of-the-art

 At the latest, before the date of expiry of the certificate

(The manufacturer shall submit their application at the earliest 12 months and at latest 6 months prior to the expiry date of the EU type certificate)