The following guidelines refer principally to climbing equipment covered by the UIAA Safety Standards. This includes, but is not limited to braking devices, carabiners, crampons, crash pads, harnesses, helmets, ice tools, ropes and slings. The full list of Standards can be found here. Please note that these guidelines were updated in February 2026, replacing the previous version from April 2019.
Choose Wisely
1.1. Conduct thorough research. Whether you are looking for a new rope, a helmet, or a belay device, keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each piece of gear has its strengths and its limitations. Ensure what you are buying is best suited to the type of activity you intend to pursue and the user’s technical expertise.
1.2. Compatibility. Always make sure new gear is compatible with what you already own. For example, a belay device designed for a 9–10 mm rope may not function properly with a thicker 11 mm rope. Ensuring compatibility helps your equipment function correctly and safely.
1.3. Sizing matters. Where possible, try before you buy. Sizing can vary considerably between manufacturers, so always refer to the brand’s official sizing charts and take accurate measurements rather than relying on generic sizing labels. This is especially important on items where the fit affects their ability to protect the climber, such as helmets and harnesses. Ill-fitting climbing gear can be dangerous.
Know your Source
2.1 Be wary of counterfeit products. To the untrained eye, a fake product may closely resemble the actual certified product. Seemingly certified products being sold at very low prices should signal a warning. Only purchase equipment bearing the UIAA Safety Label and/or CE-mark. This ensures it conforms to the most exacting of international standards. The UIAA Safety label, or the CE-mark, can usually be found engraved or stitched on a piece of gear or in the product instructions.
2.2. Avoid buying gear online except for equipment from known and trusted brands and from a trusted manufacturer or reputable retailer. A dedicated UIAA and British Mountaineering Council (BMC) article examines the many perils of buying online.
2.3. When in doubt. If you have any doubts regarding the validity of the Safety Label for a particular make and/or model of equipment, check it against the UIAA Certified Equipment Database. Likewise, if you believe someone is using the UIAA Safety Label without authorisation, you can send details to the UIAA, who will add this product to its database of offending articles. A full list of manufacturers whose products bear the UIAA Safety Label can be found here.
2.4. Second Hand. The UIAA does not endorse the use of second-hand/used climbing gear because its integrity cannot be guaranteed. In particular, second-hand items such as harnesses, helmets, and ropes should not be acquired second-hand, as its compromised integrity can be especially difficult to detect.
Record and Review
3.1 Inspect & Protect. When you purchase/receive equipment, inspect it for signs of damage, deformation, incomplete stitching, corrosion, or other defects. If anything appears questionable, do not use the item and contact the retailer immediately. Ensure the product is new, clearly labelled, and not close to the end of its recommended service life.
3.2 New doesn’t mean forever. Some climbing equipment—particularly ropes, harnesses, slings, and helmets—has a finite shelf life even if unused. Always read and heed the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions for use, inspection, maintenance, and retirement of equipment. For this latter point, when in doubt, it is always best to replace the equipment. Information on product recalls can be found on the UIAA website.
3.3 Record and Monitor. Keep a record of your equipment purchases and document item information such as brand, model, serial number, purchase dates, inspection dates, and usage to track wear and replacement cycles.
UIAA Safety Commission/February 2026