How to get a 16 CFR Part 1203 Test Report?

What is a Bicycle Helmet?

A bicycle helmetis any headgear sold to protect bicycle riders from head injuries during cycling. If a helmet is marketed or promoted in a way that implies protection during general use or for specific activities other than bicycling, and a reasonable consumer would interpret it as a bicycle helmet, it is still considered a bicycle helmet under the regulation.

Products Exempt from 16 CFR Part 1203

Helmets specifically designed foractivities such as skateboarding, inline skating, baseball, or hockeyare notsubject to the requirements for bicycle helmets under 16 CFR Part 1203.

Purpose of 16 CFR Part 1203 Bicycle Helmet Requirements

This regulation establishes performance requirements for helmets to protect bicyclists from head injuries caused by falls or collisions. Any helmet that fails to meet these requirements violates the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).

The goal and foundationof the standard are to reduce the risk of serious injury or deathfrom head impacts during bicycle riding.

Testing Requirements under 16 CFR Part 1203

The 16 CFR Part 1203safety standard outlines detailed testing proceduresand methods to evaluate all helmet components, including the retention (strap) system.

Certification Testing Steps (Based on the U.S. CPSC Bicycle Helmet Standard):

1. Required Samples

Testing requires 8 helmet samples. Manufacturers must also provide the Helmet Positioning Index (HPI)—a measurement used to properly position the helmet on the headform during testing.

2. Marking

a. Technicians place the first helmet sample on a properly sized headform.

b. The headform is mounted upright on a test stand.

c. The helmet is adjusted using the HPI, and a 5 kg (approx. 10 lbs)lead-filled bag is placed on top to compress the foam.

d. Using reference measurements from the standard (varies by helmet size), technicians adjust the stand's marker to the correct level and mark the helmet.

e. These marks define the impact test line, and all impact points must fall above it.

f. For reference: a mid-sized helmet is marked 68 mm below the inner crown point and wrapped around the exterior to define the test area.

3. Conditioning (Pre-Treatment)

Helmets undergo different environmental conditioningbefore testing, simulating real-world storage and use:

a. 2 helmets heatedto 47–53°C (117–127°F)

b. 2 helmets cooledto -13 to -17°C (9–1°F)

c. 2 helmets soakedin 15–23°C (59–73°F) potable water

d. 2 helmets kept at room temperature(59–73°F) and dry

Conditioning lasts between 4 to 24 hours.

4. Strap Testing

The strap strengthand roll-off (retention stability)tests are performed next to assess how well the helmet remains in place during an accident.

5. Impact (Drop) Test

1. The helmet is secured on a headform and dropped onto an anvilfrom a specified height.

2. A triggerreleases the helmet to free-fallonto the anvil.

3. An accelerometerinside the headform measures g-forces.

A helmet passes if the g-force is below 300g.

High-quality helmets typically show readings below 200g or even 150g.

Three anvil types are used:

1. Flat anvil(drop height: 2 meters; impact speed: \~14 mph)

2. Hemispherical anvil(drop height: 1.2 meters; impact speed: \~11 mph)

3. Curbstone anvil(drop height: 1.2 meters; simulates curb-like impacts)

6. Record Keeping

CPSC standards require labs to maintain detailed testing records, including helmet data and test results.

Pass/Fail Criteria for 16 CFR Part 1203

To be certified, the helmet must pass allof the following:

1. Peripheral Vision Test– Must not obstruct the rider’s field of view.

2. Positional Stability Test– Must remain in place during impact.

3. Retention System Strength Test– Straps must not stretch enough to allow helmet ejection.

4. Impact Attenuation Test– Must significantly reduce the force transferred to the head during impact.

Safety and Warning Requirements

Helmets must also comply with specific labeling and safety warningregulations. Examples include:

1. A warning that no helmet can protect against all impacts, and death may still occur(1203.6(a)(2)).

2. A warning that a helmet may be unsafe after an impact, even if it shows no visible damage (1203.6(a)(4)).

3. A warning that certain household chemicalsmay damage the helmet, even if the damage is not visible (1203.6(a)(5)).

4. Helmets must allow peripheral visionof at least 105 degreesto the left and right (1203.12).

Bicycle helmets are a highly regulated productin the United States. The CPSC frequently issues recall notices and safety incident reports. Therefore, JJR in Chinaoffers comprehensive testing and certification consulting servicesto support bicycle helmet suppliers and industry stakeholders.