The aim of this regulation is to ensure high safety standards for personal protective equipment (PPE) used in workplaces across all Member States of the EU. The regulation sets requirements for the design, manufacture, and marketing of PPE to protect users from health and safety risks. While the regulation was introduced in 2016, it continues to be enforced in 2025.
The PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 allows only compliant PPE to be sold and used across the EU market. The regulation applies to all types of PPE except a few, such as those used by armed forces or those already covered under other rules.
The regulation requires manufacturers and importers to produce PPE that meets the essential health and safety requirements. It ensures a high level of protection for users of PPE and guarantees fair competition in the Union market. CE marking is mandatory for all personal protective equipment under the EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. The CE mark indicates that the PPE meets essential health and safety requirements and has undergone the necessary conformity assessment procedures.
The regulation is not aimed at employers. Obligations for employers are set out in occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation and other regulations on the use of personal protective equipment.
ComplianceXL provides consulting services to companies in the field of personal protective equipment regulation and the collection of supplier declarations. We also assist customers in regularly maintaining their supplier certificates and declarations to ensure they remain up to date as part of their compliance data management strategy.
FAQs:
1.What are the five classifications of PPE?
Eye and face protection, hand protection, body protection, respiratory protection, and hearing protection.
2.What is the CE marking of PPE?
The CE mark indicates that the PPE meets essential health and safety requirements and has undergone the necessary conformity assessment procedures.
