STANDARDS

RICOTEST is constantly updated on legislation changes that concern the footwear and the PPE sector.

We have been actively participating to various technical committees and working groups, contributing with our experience to the development of Standards. For our customers, this means having a significant competitive advantage as they can benefit from valuable real-time information on legislation. The manufacturers can therefore act in accordance with future requirements and anticipate the adaptation of their products through timely technical solutions.

We are also part of a network of research institutions and major notified bodies with which we share and exchange information that allows us to be constantly informed on special regulations and rules in different international markets.

EUROPEAN COORDINATION OF NOTIFIED BODIES

Along with other major research institutions such as PFI (Germany), CTC (France), SATRA (UK), FIOH (Finland), RICOTEST was among the founding members of the European Coordination of Notified Bodies, that is a voluntary permanent discussion table that is involved in interpretation activities of harmonised Standards.
The goal is to create uniform conditions in all Member States by simplifying the circulation of products within Europe and allow the producer to easily meet the standard requirements.

RICOTEST participates in the following working groups:

VG 5 – protective clothing and gloves
VG 9 – protection devices and clothing for motorcycling
VG 10 – safety footwear

During the meetings with various technical groups and the Horizontal Committee, general topics are discussed and brought to the attention of the EU Commission. Furthermore, important documents are produced (Recommendation for Use – RfU) for the correct interpretation and application of harmonised standards and the PPE Directive/Regulation.