CEN versus UIAA standards

The European CEN standards and the UIAA standards are similar, but not identical. The UIAA standards were the first standards for mountaineering and climbing equipment in the world. So when the EU wanted to make standards for equipment, they adopted the UIAA ones.

Today, the UIAA standards are based on the CEN standards in order to avoid the confusion of multiple standards. However our experts, in cooperation with manufacturers, keep improving the UIAA standards and sometimes we ask for higher and/or additional requirements above those in the CEN standards. Also UIAA standards can be changed more quickly than the CEN standards.
Therefore, we recommend climbing and mountaineering equipment with the UIAA logo.

UIAA Safety Standards

Accessory cord

UIAA 102

Braking device

UIAA 129

Chocks

UIAA 124

Connectors / Karabiners

UIAA 121

Crampons

UIAA 153

Energy absorbing systems (SYS)

UIAA 128

Frictional anchors

UIAA 125

Harnesses

UIAA 105

Helmets

UIAA 106

Ice anchors

UIAA 151

Ice tool

UIAA 152

Low stretch ropes

UIAA 107

Pitons

UIAA 122

Pulleys

UIAA 127

Rock Anchors

UIAA 123

Rope clamps

UIAA 126

Ropes

UIAA 101

Slings

UIAA 104

Snow anchors

UIAA 154

Tape

UIAA 103

The Safety Commission

The UIAA Safety Standards are developed and revised by the Safety Commission. Learn more about the commission’s work here.

If you have any questions regarding the UIAA Safety Label, please do not hesitate to contact our Safety Label Administrator Valérie Thöni by using the email address or contact form.