The European Outdoor Group has also been dealing with another EU issue on behalf of the sector becoming involved in the European Commissions reluctance to classify Ice Tools under the Personal Protective Equipment category (PPE). This issue has been in the background for the last two years and the inability to establish the classification is holding up publication of the revised version of EN13089. Europe has a long tradition of producing top end ice tools, with brands such as Charlet-Petzl, CAMP, Grivel and DMM illustrating this. For these brands, as well as all other top end producers, the PPE classification gives vital protection against sub standard imports and an absolutely vital guarantee of consistency to the consumer. The European Outdoor Group will be presenting its case to the PPE Standing Committee in May with Mark Held being accompanied by top mountaineer Alan Hinkes, and one of Europe’s leading ice tool designers. If you would like any further information please contact Mark Held