UIAA vs CE rating?

[none_dup1]

What's the diff between UIAA and CE rating on gear (eg, helmets?) Some have one rating, some have both. Can some gearhead out there explain this for us, please?

Thanks!

[Beck]

Don't take this as difinitive, I'm no gear head but... to the best of my knowledge, UIAA and CE approval are certifications both established by the European Manufacturing Community.UIAA certs are for products that are safety related(climbing gear, bike helmets, etc.), the UIAA cert came first and has slightly more relaxed testing standards then CE. (not regarding the strength of any materials, I think the testing process itself is more extended and expensive.)

CE certification covers a lot more than just climbing gear (look at the back of your DVD player, or telephone) It certifies the product is approved for sale in Europe. When it comes to climbing gear, either UIAA or CE gear is tough and tested. However, if it hasn't met the CE certs, it's not going to be sold in Europe.

Some manufacturers are choosing to not test to CE standards as a cost issue, so these goods are only available domestically.

[lizard_brain]

UIAA is the Union Internationale des Associations d' Alpinisme, also known as the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation.

http://www.uiaa.ch/

CE stands for Conformité Européenne, and oversees european "product conformity".

http://www.euroconform.com/

The UIAA deals with mountaineering, the CE deals with just about all products sold in europe.

[Peter_Puget]

or here:

http://www.rescue-equip.com.au/REstandards.html