How to confirm if a helmet is homologated (ECE 22.06) in Portugal

How to confirm if a helmet is homologated (ECE 22.06) in Portugal

Buying a helmet online or on sale is great — as long as it's approved/certified . If it's not, you can:

  • to be left without adequate protection

  • having problems during an inspection

  • investing money in a "decorative" product

1) What counts as "officially approved" in Portugal

The Traffic Code requires that motorcycles/mopeds and similar vehicles wear a helmet of an officially approved model , properly fitted and fastened.

In practice, this connects to:

  • European PPE rules (EU Reg. 2016/425)

  • and the technical approval applicable to motorcycle helmets (UNECE R22)

2) UNECE R22 (ECE 22.06): Why is it important?

UNECE Regulation No. 22 defines the approval conditions for motorcycle/scooter helmets and visors.

What this means for you: Approved helmets undergo defined requirements and tests (impact, retention, visor, etc.). It's not a guarantee of "invincibility," but it's a serious minimum screening process.

3) Quick checklist for shopping (physical store or online)

  • Approval markings/label present and legible.

  • Clear information regarding the model, size, batch, and manufacturer/importer.

  • Compliance documentation (in the EU/EPP context)

  • Realistic price (promotions exist, "miracles" are rare)

Avoid: “racing-style helmet” with no homologation reference, no label, no manufacturer information.

4) For motorsport: FIA label and verification against technical specifications.

If the objective is track/karting, the FIA ​​publishes:

  • Guides for recognizing FIA labels (includes warnings about counterfeits)

  • Updated technical lists with standard approved models (e.g., 8859/8860)

Golden rule: don't buy an "FIA helmet" without a verifiable label/serial number and that doesn't appear on the lists.

FAQ

Is a "CE" marked helmet always for motorcycles?
CE refers to conformity within the scope of PPE; for road use on motorcycles, the relevant approval usually involves UNECE R22 (motorcycle helmets).