Private label motorcycle textile jackets: from tech pack to CE certification under EN 17092
Selling motorcycle jackets in Europe and the UK means selling certified PPE. Here is how a private-label textile jacket is developed, which class to aim for, and how CE certification fits into the timeline.
Published 27 October 2026 · Blackthorn World
In short
A private-label motorcycle textile jacket is built from a 500D–1000D Cordura-type shell with CE-certified EN 1621-1 armour at shoulders and elbows and a back-protector pocket, and the finished design is certified as PPE under EN 17092 at a notified body (class A, AA or AAA). Blackthorn World develops jackets to EN 17092 and arranges certification per design, from 50 pieces per style at an indicative $40–$92 FOB.
Why does a motorcycle jacket need CE certification?
In the EU (Regulation 2016/425) and the UK, motorcycle clothing sold as protective is personal protective equipment. The garment must be tested and certified to EN 17092 by a notified body, carry the CE (or UKCA) mark and a class label, and ship with a declaration of conformity and user information. The armour inside it is certified separately, to EN 1621-1 (limbs) and EN 1621-2 (back). For the class system in detail, see our EN 17092 classes guide and CE armour levels guide.
Which class should your jacket aim for?
| Class | Typical jacket | Market |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | Heavy touring and adventure jackets with reinforced impact zones | Premium touring brands |
| AA | Mainstream textile touring and adventure jackets | The volume of the market |
| A | Urban, mesh and lightweight summer jackets | Commuter and summer ranges |
| B / C | Garments without full impact protection, or armour-carrying base layers | Specialist items |
How the development works
- Tech pack and target class. We agree shell fabric, reinforcement zones, armour and the class you want to reach.
- Materials. Shell in 500D–1000D Cordura-type nylon, with higher-denier or leather reinforcement in the slide zones; waterproof membrane or laminate; thermal liner if required.
- Armour. CE EN 1621-1 shoulder and elbow protectors, and a back pocket sized for an EN 1621-2 protector.
- Prototype and fit. A sample is made, fitted and adjusted.
- Certification. Samples go to a notified body for EN 17092 testing (abrasion, seam strength, tear, impact-zone checks). We arrange this per design and quote cost and time with the development plan.
- Bulk. Production follows the certified sample exactly; a change of materials needs re-assessment.
Touring, adventure or urban?
Adventure jackets have long cuts, big vents and cargo pockets, like our sand and black adventure jacket. Touring jackets prioritise weather protection — see the grey touring jacket. Urban and mesh jackets are lighter and cheaper, for commuters and hot climates (see mesh jackets).
Price, MOQ and lead time
Indicative FOB prices run from about $40 for an urban textile jacket to $48–$72 for touring and $58–$92 for adventure jackets, depending on fabric, membrane, armour and reinforcement. The minimum is 50 pieces per style. Samples take 10–12 working days; certification time depends on the notified body; bulk follows 2–3 weeks after approval. See the motorcycle textile jackets and adventure and touring jackets ranges, plus motorcycle gloves to complete the range.
FAQ
Do motorcycle jackets need CE certification?
In the EU and UK, motorcycle clothing sold as protective is PPE and must be certified to EN 17092 by a notified body and CE or UKCA marked.
What is the difference between class AA and AAA?
AAA jackets meet the highest abrasion and impact-zone requirements, typical of heavy touring; AA covers most mainstream textile touring and adventure jackets.
Is the armour certified separately?
Yes. Limb protectors are certified to EN 1621-1 and back protectors to EN 1621-2.
Can you arrange EN 17092 certification?
Yes. We develop the jacket to EN 17092 and arrange testing at a notified body per design, quoted with the development plan.
What is the MOQ for private-label motorcycle jackets?
50 pieces per style, with an indicative FOB of $40–$92 depending on construction.