The Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) is taking firm action to protect its riders by clamping down on the sale of counterfeit ‘ACU Approved’ helmet stickers – with more than 5,000 already removed from the black market.
Helmet safety remains a top priority for the UK’s national governing body of motorcycle sport. Every helmet that passes the ACU’s strict, independent safety tests is given a Gold ‘ACU Approved’ sticker by the manufacturer or importer. These stickers show technical officials that a helmet meets the required standards for use in competition.
However, a growing number of fake and unauthorised stickers has prompted a major crackdown, led by the ACU with support from its legal partners and Trading Standards.
“This is a serious issue for rider safety,” Matthew Edwards-Wear, CEO of the ACU, said. “Anyone using a helmet with a fake or tampered sticker is putting themselves in serious danger. We’re committed to stamping this fraudulent activity out and protecting our competitors.”
“With the help of our partners, we’ve already acted against eBay for trademark breaches and removed over 5,000 fake stickers from sale. It’s a strong first step, but our work will continue to make sure we eradicate any illegal activity that threatens the safety of competitors and fundamentally goes against what we stand for as a members’ organisation.”
Alongside removing counterfeit stickers from online marketplaces, the ACU is also working up new agreements with helmet manufacturers and importers to tighten the control of official stickers and stop them being misused.
New hologram-style, Gold ‘ACU Approved’ stickers are also being developed for introduction in the 2026 season.
“Our new Gold stickers will have enhanced features that will reduce the possibility of them being copied, tampered with while they’re on a helmet, or removed from a helmet altogether,” Matthew Edwards-Wear added. “Closing loopholes will stop bad actors and improve the safety of ACU riders.”
For questions about helmet safety or ACU ‘Approved’ stickers, contact the ACU technical team on 01788 566400.