The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has seized more than 758 motorcycle helmets without the SLS certification mark during 182 island-wide raids conducted in July and October this year.The latest operation, launched on October 6, resulted in 84 raids across 21 districts, during which 327 helmets that did not carry the SLS certification mark were seized.

The raids targeted motorcycle safety helmets that failed to comply with the SLS 517 standard, which specifies requirements for protective helmets.The CAA said helmets sold under various brand names had been found during the raids, with some of the same or similar brands appearing in several districts. Investigations are being expanded to identify suppliers, distributors, importers and manufacturers, in addition to taking legal action against retailers.Investigations are also underway into reports of SLS stickers being used in connection with helmets in Gampaha, Mullaitivu and Mannar districts.The Authority said helmets without the SLS mark had also been found among children’s and small-sized helmets. Such products are being examined for compliance with the SLS 517 standard when sold as protective headgear for motorcycle or other vehicle users.The CAA has also identified instances where helmets were sold without proper invoices or where the manufacturers and suppliers could not be identified. Legal action is being taken in these cases.

During a similar island-wide operation on July 27, the Authority conducted 98 raids and seized more than 431 helmets without the SLS mark.The CAA has warned manufacturers against producing motorcycle safety helmets without a valid SLS certification licence. Importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, mobile vendors, online sellers and motorcycle shops have also been instructed not to stock, display or sell helmets without the required certification mark.The Authority said it would continue monitoring the helmet market and conduct further raids without prior notice.Meanwhile, consumers have been urged to check for the SLS certification mark before purchasing a helmet, obtain a valid receipt and avoid buying uncertified helmets solely because they are cheaper.

Members of the public can provide information about the manufacture, distribution or sale of helmets without the SLS mark by calling the CAA’s short code 1977 during office hours.