Helmet Testing at TÜV Rheinland by the Numbers

Years of uninterrupted motorcycle helmet testing experience
ECE member states in which the E-mark enables market access
UN-R 22.06 approval areas fully covered: helmet, visor, and accessories
TÜV Rheinland – the only accredited laboratory worldwide for photochromic visor testing and type approval

Why Manufacturers Choose TÜV Rheinland for Helmet Type Approval

A senior male engineer in a white lab coat stands at the centre of a professional motorcycle helmet testing laboratory, holding a dark full-face helmet with a tinted visor under one arm and reviewing a type approval certificate document in his other hand. Behind him, open metal shelving holds two full rows of motorcycle helmets in various types, colours, and configurations, with date-labelled shelf tags suggesting a long-running, organised testing archive. Three framed TÜV Rheinland accreditation certificates are mounted on the white wall above the shelving. To his left, a drop tower impact test rig with a silver helmet mounted on a headform and blue digital control panels is visible. To his right, a wooden workbench holds a laptop displaying a type approval submission portal, alongside precision measurement instruments. On the wall behind the workbench, a world map with location pins marking Germany, Guangzhou, and additional ECE market countries illustrates the laboratory's international approval coverage. The overall scene conveys deep institutional expertise, unique accreditation credentials, and a globally oriented full-cycle helmet type approval operation.

  • 35+ Years of Helmet Testing Experience

    The helmet testing program of TÜV Rheinland has been running since the 1990s – without interruption. That depth of experience informs every stage of the process, from pre-testing consultation to type approval issuance.

  • The Only Accredited Laboratory for Photochromic Visors

    TÜV Rheinland is the only accredited laboratory worldwide to test and approve photochromic visors under UN-R 22.06. Manufacturers integrating adaptive visor technology have one qualified partner for this approval.

  • Full Coverage of All Three ECE 22.06 Approval Areas

    Helmet, visor, and accessories – all three UN-R 22.06 approval areas are covered from a single accredited partner. Manufacturers can pursue combined or independent approvals without switching test partners.

  • One of Two Laboratories Worldwide for Accessory Testing

    TÜV Rheinland is one of only two laboratories worldwide offering both Universal Accessory (UA) and Specific Accessory (SA) testing – a critical capability for manufacturers navigating the most complex area of the ECE 22.06 framework.

  • Two Locations – Global ECE Market Coverage

    With locations in Germany and Guangzhou, TÜV Rheinland supports manufacturers across ECE markets – including the EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Turkey, Malaysia, Egypt, New Zealand, Pakistan, and beyond. Primary client markets include China, Korea, Vietnam, and Germany.

  • Full-Cycle Support & Direct Authority Interface

    From Initial Assessment through type approval and COP, manufacturers work with a single accredited partner. TÜV Rheinland manages the formal application process with national approval authorities (e.g., KBA, Germany) – including pre-approval number requests for manufacturers based outside Germany.