From March till May 2010, in total 27 controls were performed; out of these at two importers, two authorized representatives, one producer and 22 distributors. Deficiencies were detected in 14 cases, i.e. 52%.

In March and April, controls were focused on protective helmets for downhill skiing and snowboarding. 11 controls were performed with the focus on winter assortment and 9 types of protective helmets were checked. Infringements of the EC Directive and the government regulation were detected in 5 cases. In April and May, the controls were focused also on protective helmets for cyclists, skateboard and inline skates users. With the focus on summer assortment, 16 controls were performed and 16 types of protective helmets were checked. The inspectors found deficiencies in 9 cases. In all cases of detected deficiencies, protective helmets were not equipped with imposed safety information on use in the Czech language.

In terms of the detected deficiencies, 6 cases are objects to administrative proceedings. In 8 cases fines were issued at the inspection location in the total amount of 20,000 CZK and in 2 cases samples of protective helmets were collected to examine their characteristics.

In the context of the controls performed so far, the CTI inspectors found that in more than 50% controls there were deficiencies in information for consumers on the sold products.

“Insufficient information of the way of use and on possible dangers can cause head injuries, especially in children. The control activity will proceed also within the summer and the controls will be focused on all protective helmets used within other various activities of consumers,” said RNDr. Jana Příhodová, the Director General of the Czech Trade Inspection.