When selling roller skates and protective gear worldwide, different markets impose their own safety standards and certification requirements. The EU, USA, Korea, and China all enforce unique regulations and testing protocols. From structural strength to chemical restrictions, from labeling to user instructions—each step can determine whether your product enters the market smoothly. This article provides a clear overview of the major certification requirements to help brands and manufacturers navigate compliance and reduce risks in export and sales.
EU / Europe
EU Applicable Standards
EN 13899:2003 — Roller Skates: Covers strength, fastening system, bearings, and instructions. Applies to users >20kg ≤100kg; below 20kg falls under EN 71 (toys).
EN 13843:2003/2009 — Inline Skates: Safety performance, test methods, labeling, and instructions.
EN 71 series (Toys) — Toy safety standards for children’s skates, including limits for lead, phthalates, etc., with mandatory CE marking.
CE vs. GPSD
Implication
1.CE:The CE (Conformité Européenne) mark is a mandatory conformity mark for products sold in the European market.
A CE mark indicates that the product meets the safety, health, environmental, and consumer protection requirements of relevant EU directives or regulations, and can be freely sold in the European Economic Area (EEA).
CE is not a “quality mark” but a declaration that the product complies with the minimum legal safety requirements.
2.GPSD:GPSD (General Product Safety Directive) is a framework law in the EU.
Its purpose is to ensure that all consumer products sold in the EU are safe, even if they are not covered by specific CE directives.
In simple terms: if a product has no dedicated EU directive (e.g., toys, low voltage equipment, machinery do), then GPSD applies.
Products under GPSD usually do not require CE marking, but must still meet safety requirements.
Function
Adult sports skates usually fall under GPSD, no mandatory CE.
Toy skates must comply with Toy Directive and carry CE mark.
Key Tests
Structural strength & fatigue testing
Strap/buckle durability
Maximum load capacity
Labels & warnings
Chemical limits for children’s products
USA
Regulatory Framework
CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission): Oversees consumer product safety.
CPSIA: Applies to children’s products ≤12 years; includes third-party testing, limits on lead & phthalates, and tracking labels.
ASTM F963: Toy safety standard, often applied to children’s roller skates.
Helmet & Protective Gear Standards
ASTM F1492 — Skateboard/roller helmets
ASTM F1447/F1751 — Bicycle & sports helmets
CPSC Bicycle Helmet Standard — Mandatory for U.S. market
Compliance Essentials
Third-party testing required for children’s skates
Small parts, chemical, and flammability testing
CPSIA labeling & warnings
Helmets/protectors must state ASTM or CPSC compliance
Korea (KC Mark)
KC Mark: Korea’s national safety certification.
Skates with electronics (e.g., LED wheels, batteries) may require KC.
Pure mechanical skates usually follow consumer safety regulations; confirm before import.
China (CCC / GB Standards)
CCC Certification: Only required if listed in catalog; regular skates usually excluded.
Children’s skates: Must comply with GB toy, chemical, and textile standards.
Customs may request test reports and compliance documents.
Helmets & Protective Gear
EU: EN 1078 for cycling/skating helmets, CE marking required.
USA: ASTM F1492 and CPSC bicycle helmet standards.
Many brands pursue dual certification to cover multiple markets.
Summary
Roller skates and related protective gear have different certification requirements in different markets:
Certification requirements for roller skates and protective gear vary across markets: the EU emphasizes EN standards and CE, the USA focuses on CPSC and ASTM, Korea requires the KC mark, and China enforces 3C and GB standards.
- Europe: EN standard + CE (for toys)
- United States: CPSC + CPSIA + ASTM
- South Korea: KC (Mandatory for electronic categories, confirmation required for mechanical categories)
- China: CCC (for some electronic categories) + GB national standards
👉 must confirm the applicable standards before export or sale, select appropriate tests and certifications to avoid customs clearance or market risks caused by non-compliance.
