# Which CPSC rules apply to a bicycle helmet?

> Which CPSC rules apply to a bicycle helmet, which certificate it needs, the citation codes to put on it, and how the data is eFiled at entry. From CPSC's own citation code list.

Checked 2026-09-22 · https://cpsccomply.com/rules/bike-helmet/

## Quick answer

A bicycle helmet needs a Children's Product Certificate if it is designed or intended primarily for children 12 and under, and a General Certificate of Conformity if it is general-use. The rules CPSC lists for it: 1203 (16 CFR 1203: Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets).

## Citation codes

| Code | Regulation | When it applies | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1203 | 16 CFR 1203: Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets | Always, for this product type | — |
| 1278a | 15 USC 1278a: Total Lead Content for Children's Products | if a children's helmet | — |

## Certificate

Certificate type: CPC or GCC, depending on whether it is designed primarily for children 12 and under.

For a bicycle helmet the testing laboratory must be one CPSC has accepted for this rule. CPSC's list holds 737 accepted laboratories: https://cpsccomply.com/data/labs/

CPSC flags 4 HTS codes in its "Bicycle Helmets" category: https://cpsccomply.com/data/flagged-hts-codes/

## Recalls of this product type

Since 2023, 1 CPSC recall notices carry this product type in their title, 1 of them for China-made goods (100.0%), covering about 215 units. Hazards cited most often: Fall / general injury (1).

Most recent:

- 2023-08-24: Multi-Purpose Kids Bike Helmets Recalled Due to Risk of Head Injury, Failure to Meet Bicycle Helmet Standard Requirements; Sold by Ecnup Exclusively on Amazon.com (Recall Alert) <https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Multi-Purpose-Kids-Bike-Helmets-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Head-Injury-Failure-to-Meet-Bicycle-Helmet-Standard-Requirements-Sold-by-Ecnup-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com-Recall-Alert>

## Sources

- CPSC: eFiling Citation and Testing Exception Codes (Excel, Dec 2025): <https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2025-12-18_eFiling-Citation-and-Testing-Exception-Codes.xlsx>
- CPSC: Update on Certificates of Compliance and eFiling: <https://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Certificates>
- Federal Register: Certificates of Compliance, 90 FR 1800 (8 Jan 2025): <https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/08/2024-30826/certificates-of-compliance>

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CPSC Comply · https://cpsccomply.com/rules/bike-helmet/ · Independent. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).