Notices from Snell Foundation
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Notice on Impact Race helmets 02/04/2025
Certain IMPACT RACE PRODUCTS helmets sold as model 1320 in sizes XXL/XL may not meet Snell SA2020 standard requirements. Customers are advised to contact the manufacturer directly to determine if their helmet is affected
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Notice on Bogus Labels 03/22/2022
The Snell Foundation has become aware of fraudulent M2005 certification labels in headgear used for motorcycling and motorsport activities. The counterfeit labels appear to be in helmets that have not acquired Snell certification and do not have the support or approval of the Snell Foundation.
Helmet samples with bogus Snell label received by the Foundation were obtained from online sources that may originate in Malaysia. Such labels are present in helmet models that may appear on the Snell Foundation’s certified helmet lists, but are not endorsed by the licensed manufacturer or owner of these helmet brands and helmet models.
Snell certification labels are 3 ¼ inches by ¾ inches with rounded corners and have a specific color based on the Standard. Each label has a unique serial number starting with one or two alphabetic characters and a six-digit number. Since 2010, all Snell labels have had a barcode included. You can find illustrations of these labels here.
If you have any question about label authenticity or certification validity of a helmet on the Snell certified helmet lists, you can send Snell the label serial number along with the helmet brand, model name and date of manufacture to snell.label@smf.org. Helmet and label pictures are helpful in identifying labels as well.
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Notice on SPECIALIZED helmets 11/15/2021
Specialized B-90A certified models are out of production as of June 2018
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Notice on Bell helmets 06/30/2020
Some Moto-9 units are not Snell certified (Moto 9 Carbon Flex)
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Notice on HJC helmets 06/30/2020
Some model FG-17 units are not Snell certified
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Notice on HJC helmets 06/30/2020
Model i10 in size XXXL is not Snell certified
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Notice on HJC helmets 06/30/2020
Model i70 is not Snell certified (don’t mistake for model i10)
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Notice on AXXIS helmets 06/24/2020
AXXIS brand helmets mention Snell in their advertising and on their websites but their models are NOT Snell certified.
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Notice on Charles Owen brand Equestrian helmets 04/01/2017
Charles Owen, Inc. has posted safety notice for owners of certain of its equestrian helmets. Snell commends the company for identifying and responding to this matter.
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Notice on NHK brand Motorcycle Helmets 03/13/2017
There are reports that some NHK branded helmets falsely claim Snell certification. At this time, there are no NHK branded helmets in any of the Snell programs. There are also reports that a Snell M2010 certification label was found in an NHK branded helmet. We have examined images of this label and confirmed that it is a counterfeit. Snell's attorney is looking into this matter to determine further action.
We will be grateful for any information concerning fraudulent claims of Snell certification either on a helmet, or its packaging, or in its promotion. We will also be grateful for any reports of questionable Snell certification labels. Send us a description or, even better, a photograph of the label and its serial number. We will get back to you with our evaluation.
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Notice on Simpson Helmets brand Autoracing helmets 03/01/2017
Simpson Helmets has posted an important notice for owners of the SA2015 certified model Voyager II for sizes XS-L with manufacturing dates in 2016 only. We commend Simpson for their handling of this matter.
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Notice on Shengchao Helmet helmets 01/20/2015
The Snell Memorial Foundation has identified helmets that remain available in the North American, South American, Australian, and European markets with Snell certification labels that were originally certified to the Snell SA2005 standard but were subsequently decertified.
The helmet model S-2K, manufactured by Shengchao Helmet Co., Ltd. obtained Snell SA2005 certification in July of 2006. Model S-2K helmets manufactured in August 2008 failed random sample testing . Shengchao Helmet Co., Ltd. was instructed to immediately discontinue production of this helmet model. The Foundation decertified the model S-2K and removed it from the SA2005 certification lists on November 19, 2008.
The Foundation has determined that a significant number of these non-compliant helmets with certification labels were improperly released into the market when Shengchao Helmet Co. Ltd. discontinued its operations and closed.
The Snell Foundation recommends that the model S-2K helmet not be used in competitive events where Snell certified helmets are required or under circumstances where protection afforded by Snell certified helmets is desired. These helmets may not provide levels of protection recommended by the Snell Memorial Foundation.
