CE marking on martial arts protective equipment
CE marking means the manufacturer declares compliance with applicable EU legislation after the required conformity assessment. It is not a quality rating, EU approval or proof of European manufacture.
Which products are covered?
Regulation (EU) 2016/425 covers personal protective equipment. The intended protective function and risks determine its application. Many head, shin, body and groin protectors are covered. A product name alone does not determine classification.
Ordinary uniforms, belts and bags normally do not require CE marking under this regulation. Products outside all CE legislation must not carry the mark, but still need to meet applicable safety requirements.
What is EN 13277?
It is a series of standards for martial arts protective equipment. Part 1 covers general requirements; part 2 instep, shin and forearm protectors; part 3 trunk protectors; part 4 head protectors; part 5 genital and abdominal protectors; part 6 breast protectors; part 7 hand and foot protectors; part 8 karate face protectors.
Standards and CE marking are different things. Presumption of conformity only applies to requirements covered by a relevant harmonised standard whose reference is published in the EU's Official Journal. Check the current edition and product documentation.
Assessment, marking and documentation
Category I covers specified minimal risks. Category II requires EU type-examination by a notified body plus the manufacturer's production control. Category III also requires specific production surveillance. The intended risk determines the category.
A four-digit number after the CE mark is required for category III and identifies the body supervising production; it is not a general category II requirement.
The EU declaration of conformity must accompany the equipment, or be available at a website stated in the instructions. Instructions must meet language requirements in the market where the product is sold. The CE mark normally appears visibly, legibly and indelibly on the product; prescribed exceptions apply where this is not possible or warranted because of its nature.
Is CE enough for competition?
No. Federations can require specific models, colours or approvals. Choose the correct size, follow the instructions and replace worn equipment. No marking eliminates injury risk.