Selling helmets online: the safety standard each one needs

A helmet's value lies in a test the buyer cannot see. That is why the label that proves it matters so much on a listing, and why showing a label a helmet did not earn is one of the worst mistakes a seller can make. Bicycle helmets carry a CPSC certification label. Road motorcycle helmets carry the DOT symbol.

This page covers each standard, the novelty helmet problem, eBay's rules, and the EU.

What this page covers: bicycle, motorcycle, ski and sports helmets.

The short version

• Bicycle helmets must meet the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and carry its certification label.
• Motorcycle helmets for road use must meet FMVSS 218 and carry the DOT symbol.
• A "novelty" helmet must never carry or show a DOT label it did not earn.
• eBay allows new bicycle helmets only from eligible sellers, and bars used helmets.
• In the EU, helmets are personal protective equipment with CE marking.

Which standard must a bicycle helmet meet?

Bicycle helmets sold in the US must meet the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and carry its certification label. eBay allows new bicycle helmets only from eligible sellers meeting the CPSC rules, and does not allow used helmets.

Which standard must a motorcycle helmet meet?

Motorcycle helmets for road use must meet FMVSS 218 and carry the DOT symbol. A helmet sold as a "novelty" has not met the standard, and must never carry or show a DOT label in the product or the images.

Can you sell baby helmets on eBay?

No. eBay does not allow baby helmets or backpacks marketed to protect against bumps or falls.

What should helmet images show?

Helmet images should show the real certification label, the fit system and the helmet worn correctly. The set to shoot:

• The certification label inside the helmet, readable.
• The helmet from the front, side and back, and the fit system and strap.
• The helmet worn correctly, level on the head with the strap fastened.

Never add a certification mark to an image. The label in the image should be the label on the helmet.

What marking do helmets need in the EU?

Helmets sold in the EU are personal protective equipment and carry CE marking.

How Commicorn helps

• Your label, as printed. On the Untouched product route your photo's pixels are never redrawn, so the certification label stays exactly as printed, and nothing is added.
• Claims that need proof are marked. For Amazon, the keyword step shows a certification keyword with a line saying a valid certificate is needed.

Questions sellers ask

What label does a bicycle helmet need?

A CPSC certification label, showing that the helmet meets the CPSC bicycle helmet standard.

What does the DOT symbol on a motorcycle helmet mean?

That the helmet meets FMVSS 218, the standard for motorcycle helmets for road use.

Can I sell a novelty helmet with a DOT sticker?

No. A helmet sold as a "novelty" has not met the standard, and must never carry or show a DOT label in the product or the images.

Can I sell used helmets on eBay?

No. eBay does not allow used helmets, and allows new bicycle helmets only from eligible sellers meeting the CPSC rules.

Do helmets need CE marking in the EU?

Yes. Helmets sold in the EU are personal protective equipment and carry CE marking.

Before you list

Have the helmet's real certification label photographed and readable before the listing goes live: the CPSC label for a bicycle helmet, the DOT symbol under FMVSS 218 for a road motorcycle helmet, CE marking for the EU. On a borderline helmet, the standard decides it: a helmet that has not met it is sold without the mark and without any claim to it, and on eBay the product safety policy bars used helmets and baby helmets outright, all linked below.