The PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Directive 89/686/EEC defines legal obligations ensuring that PPE on the European market gives the highest level of protection against hazards: the CE marking affixed to PPE signals that. As this is a "New Approach" Directive, manufacturers or their authorised representative in the European Union can comply with the technical requirements either directly, or by means of European Harmonised Standards, the latter providing a presumption of conformity to the essential health and safety requirements.

Further information on PPE can also be found on the Commission's enterprise website.