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1. Inclusion of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No. 22 - (Revision 5), 06 series (UNECE R22.06), as an approved standard;
2. Inclusion of the Singapore Standards 9: 2024 (SS9: 2024) as an approved standard, which would replace SS9: 2014 eventually; and
3. Changes in the labelling requirements for helmets certified under the Singapore Standards 9: 2014 (SS9: 2014), and the SS9: 2024.

Inclusion of the UNECE R22.06

Currently, all helmet models that are sold in Singapore are required to undergo an approval process and meet the SS9: 2014 before they can be sold and used on our roads. From 1 November 2025, helmets that meet the UNECE R22.06 standard will be allowed for sale, without having to go through an approval process here. This will lead to a wider variety of approved helmets being sold in the market, and lower the cost of helmets.  

The UNECE R22.06 is recognised internationally as one of the most comprehensive motorcycle helmet safety standards, and is adopted by many jurisdictions including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea. It includes rotational impact protection, enhanced field of vision requirements, and high-speed impact absorption. These are critical for mitigating the impact of motorcycle accidents.

The UNECE R22.06 approved helmets can be identified by the following features: 

1. ‘E-mark’ label sewn onto the helmet’s chin strap (Refer to Figure 1);
   (i) A circle around the letter "E", followed by the distinguishing number of the approving country;
   (ii) Approval number beginning with ‘06’;
   (iii) Helmet type classification 
   1.“J” for jet or open face helmets, 
   2.“P” for full face helmets or ones with protective chin bar, or
   3. “PJ” for system (modular or flip-front) helmets;
   (iv) Production serial number;
2. Visors must also carry an E-label with test certification (Refer to Figure 2).

Inclusion of the SS9: 2024 

To enhance the safety of motorcyclists, TP has also collaborated with industry partners and stakeholders to update the SS9: 2014 specifications for motorcycle helmets. The updated standards (i.e. SS9: 2024) are aligned with the UNECE R22.06.

 Under the updated standards, we will no longer require tests such as the penetration test (i.e. spike dropped onto the upper part of the helmet to see if it can be punctured), as there has been no record over the past two decades of traffic accidents that resulted in penetrative head trauma.  

The SS9: 2024 specifications were published on 19 November 2024, with a two-year transition period for testing laboratories here to be accredited to perform SS9: 2024 testing. In the interim period, both the SS9: 2014 and SS9: 2024 will be accepted standards for helmets from 1 November 2025 until 18 November 2026.

These revisions aim to maintain the effectiveness of helmet standards, lower the costs of approved helmets, and reduce the time for helmets with the latest safety features to reach the market. 

Changes in the Labelling Requirements for Helmets Certified under the SS9: 2014 and the SS9: 2024

Today, TUV SUD PSB Pte Ltd. is the only SS9: 2014 accredited laboratory that is allowed to issue a Certification Mark label for helmets. From 1 November 2025, all laboratories with SS9: 2014 accreditation (till 18 November 2026) and those which have acquired SS9: 2024 accreditation, can conduct SS9 testing. The list of accredited laboratories can be found on the Singapore Accreditation Council’s website. The approval for helmet models which meet the SS9 specifications will be valid for five years from the date of testing.

To standardise labelling convention across the laboratories, TP has revised the labelling requirements as follows (refer to Figure 3 for the required dimensions of the label):

1. Clearly visible, tamper-evident and weatherproof sticker to be affixed to the back of the helmet, and must be of these specific colours:
   (i) For SS9: 2014 certified helmets: Silver
   (ii) For SS9: 2024 certified helmets: Red
2. “SS9” logo
3. Test number for that helmet, in the following convention (refer to Figure 4 for an illustration of numbering conventions):
   (i) Test lab number 
   (ii) Year of test
   (iii)Type of helmet (K – Open Face, G – Modular, F – Full Face) 
   (iv) Test number accorded by the lab (e.g. first test of the year = 001)

Transition Period for SS9: 2014

In view of the two-year transition period for laboratories to attain SS9: 2024 accreditation and the five-year validity for each testing approval, helmets certified under SS9: 2014 will continue to be allowed for sale until 19 November 2031. Please refer to the table below for the updated list of approved helmet standards for sale in Singapore.  

Advisory to Motorists

TP would like to reiterate the importance of wearing helmets which are effectively in good condition. Motorcyclists should check the date of manufacture of their helmet (usually found under the helmet lining) and replace it every five years, even if it still appears to be in good condition. This is because helmet materials degrade over time due to exposure to weather and sweat, and regular wear and tear.

According to the World Health Organization, quality helmets can reduce the risk of death by more than six times and brain injury by up to 74% (World Health Organization, 2023). In Singapore, where motorcyclists account for a disproportionate number of road fatalities, wearing the right helmet can make a difference between life and death.

Engagement Sessions

TP will be holding engagement sessions with motorcycle helmet retailers and testing laboratories in September 2025 to ensure that they understand the new testing regime, as well as the new labelling requirements.

Additionally, TP will be engaging key partners including Harley Davidson and Regina Specialties, as well as the driving schools. TP will also leverage existing platforms such as road safety talks and engagement sessions with delivery riders. We aim to help motorcyclists understand the changes, make informed decisions when purchasing helmets, and ensure they remain protected when on the roads, by having the appropriate safety equipment.

Conclusion

Helmet use is not just a legal requirement, but a commitment to returning home safely to your loved ones every day. We urge all motorcyclists to take it seriously.  


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