CE, CEN and FIE Markings on Fencing equipment

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Information on the markings on protective fencing equipment when buying in the UK and Europe from reputable manufactures.

If you are purchasing protective equipment (other than FIE labelled equipment) outside of Europe you are responsible for checking that the standard is equivalent. BF is not responsible for equipment testing or providing quality assurance. Any concerns about counterfeit equipment should be reported to BF and raised with Trading Standards. Please note if there is an accident involving equipment that does not have the correct quality marks insurance cover may be affected.

Summary Guidelines

1. Buy from a reputable supplier
2. Check for a CE mark  – legally required on all protective equipment for sale in UK and mainland Europe
3. Review the BF Safety Guidelines (inc 1.8, 4.3, 4.4 and Appendix 1) to work out what is the right level of protective equipment (350/800/1600FIE) you need for the fencing activity you are undertaking – there are different standards for different activities from plastic fencing to sparring in clubs to competing at international events.
4. Check there is a CEN mark – a minimum of CEN Level 1 is required in most cases for entry level protective equipment (recreational club use).
5. Check the 350/800/1600N markings
6. If you are competing internationally in FIE and EFC events your kit will need an FIE marking.

Protective Equipment (and minimum standards for metal club fencing as at 13.03.2026)

• Fencing Jackets (minimum 350N)
• Breeches / Trousers (protect hips/thighs) (minimum 350N)
• Plastrons (Underarm protectors) (minimum 350N, recommended 800N)
• Fencing Masks (minimum CEN Level 1 certification)
• Fencing Gloves (recommended CEN Level 1/350N)

There are activities (eg competitions) that require higher standards of equipment and some that may require lower (eg plastic fencing), more information can be found in the BF Safety Guidelines.

More Information

CE Marking

A CE logo is the manufacturer declaring that the product complies with relevant EU safety, health, and environmental laws. Without a CE mark, equipment is not legal for sale in the UK or mainland Europe.

Note – If you are importing equipment and are selling it on in this country you are by definition responsible for CE certification; you must have proof that you have seen the CE certificate of conformity and the technical file. Just stating that an item has passed CE or CEN level 1/2 standards doesn’t cover you and you are liable – and this can come with big fines or in extreme cases prison.

CEN Markings

CEN is a European safety standardisation that defines minimum safety performance for protective equipment in fencing.

Level 1 (approx. 350 N) signifies the item provides a minimum penetration resistance suitable for some fencing environments (see the Safety Guidelines)
For certain national competitions and EFC/FIE competitions, higher CEN levels (e.g., Level 2 / FIE-grade) with greater protective thresholds are required. CEN Level 2 standards can overlap with FIE clothing standards, but just because an item meets this it is NOT automatically FIE-approved for use.

FIE Marking

An FIE marking means a piece of fencing equipment is approved by the sport’s world governing body, the Fédération Internationale d’Escrime, and meets their highest safety requirements. FIE equipment is required for FIE level international competition and some EFC level competition (more info on EFC website and the Clothing and Weapon Rules appendix of the BF Safety Guidelines)

FIE marking requires:

• Approved materials
• Approved construction
• Factory audits
• Batch testing
• Ongoing compliance

A piece of equipment can meet the FIE safety standards but may not be approved for use by the FIE. For example a jacket can be marked as 800N but without the FIE marking it is not approved for use at FIE competitions.

The minimum standards are published by the FIE in the material rules book, m25 and m33.

Go to the Safety Zone.