KEP Italia helmets and the new FEI rules for 2028 and 2029
KEP Italia helmets carrying CE marking with EN 1384:2023, plus ASTM F1163-23 certification and the SEI mark, meet the published FEI helmet requirements for 1 January 2028. This combination also meets Equestrian Australia's published national requirements for 1 January 2029.
If you already own a KEP, check the certification labels inside your particular helmet. Older helmets may carry earlier versions of the standards.
Here is what the changes mean and what to look for.
What are the new FEI helmet requirements?
From 1 January 2028, helmets used in FEI competition must meet at least two of these four accepted standards:
- PAS 015:2011 and subsequent updates
- Snell E2016 or E2021
- EN 1384:2023 with CE marking
- ASTM F1163:2023
At least one of the standards must be supported by a recognised quality testing mark.
For a KEP certified to EN 1384:2023 and ASTM F1163-23, the two-standard requirement is covered. The SEI mark fulfils the quality-mark requirement for this combination.
You do not also need PAS or Snell certification.
Why are both 2028 and 2029 mentioned?
The dates apply to different competition rules:
| Competition | Implementation date |
|---|---|
| International competition under FEI rules | |
| National competition under Equestrian Australia rules |
Understanding the certifications inside your KEP
KEP Italia's current safety information identifies CE EN 1384:2023 and ASTM F1163-23 with SEI certification.
These markings have different roles:
- EN 1384:2023 is the European equestrian helmet standard.
- ASTM F1163-23 is the American equestrian helmet standard. It may also be written as ASTM F1163:2023.
- SEI provides independent certification and ongoing quality monitoring.
CE marking is not the quality testing mark referred to in the competition requirements. In this combination, that role is fulfilled by SEI.
How to check your KEP helmet
Find the certification labels inside your helmet and look for all three:
- CE marking and EN 1384:2023
- ASTM F1163-23
- The SEI mark
Read the complete references, including the year. An earlier EN or ASTM version should not be treated as the latest certification.
Check your individual helmet rather than relying on its appearance, model name or purchase date alone.
What about green helmet tags in Australia?
Equestrian Australia uses a colour-tagging system to help officials identify compliant helmets.
A helmet meeting the final requirements can already receive a green tag. You do not need to wait until 2029.
The tag is part of the Australian competition checking process; it does not replace the certification labels inside your KEP.
Frequently asked questions
A KEP carrying the certification combination described above meets the published requirements. Older helmets need to be checked individually because their certification versions may differ.
Not solely because the rules are changing if your helmet already carries the required certifications. Its age, condition and impact history still matter when deciding whether it needs replacing.
No. EN 1384:2023 with CE marking, together with ASTM F1163-23 and SEI, provides the required combination.
Yes. Send us clear photographs of the certification labels inside your KEP via WhatsApp or email. We can help you understand the markings and how they relate to the published requirements.
For more about helmet testing, safety features, fit and replacement, read our KEP Italia Safety Guide.
Information checked in . This guide reflects the published requirements at that time. Always check the current rules of your competition organiser before competing.
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