EN 17092:2020 is the European standard for motorcyclists' protective clothing. It defines three protection levels: A, AA, and AAA. If you are building a motorcycle apparel brand for the EU or UK market, the level you target determines your materials, construction, armour specification, and price point — so getting it right matters before you design anything.
What the three levels actually mean
Level A — Entry protection
Level A is the minimum CE level under EN 17092. It covers garments with impact protection at the shoulder, elbow, and optional back, but with lower abrasion resistance thresholds than the higher levels. Level A is appropriate for urban and commuter products where the rider is not travelling at high speed.
Typical products at Level A: urban textile jackets, commuter jackets, riding shirts, casual-style riding jackets.
Materials that reach Level A: 500D Cordura, some softshell constructions with reinforcement panels, leather of 0.8mm or above in impact zones (depending on construction).
Level AA — All-round protection
Level AA requires higher abrasion resistance in impact zones and a more complete armour set. This is the most commonly specified level for general motorcycle jackets sold to road riders in the EU and UK. Most touring, adventure, and sport-touring jackets target Level AA.
Typical products at Level AA: touring jackets, adventure jackets, sport jackets, two-piece suits for road use, leather jackets for general riding.
Materials that reach Level AA: full-grain cowhide at 1.0–1.2mm, 600D Cordura with reinforced panels, goatskin leather.
Level AAA — Maximum protection
Level AAA represents the highest protection level under EN 17092. It requires full-coverage abrasion resistance across all garment zones, a complete armour set (shoulders, elbows, and a Level 2 back protector), and construction methods that maintain integrity under high-speed impact. This level is primarily for race-use and track-day garments.
Typical products at Level AAA: one-piece racing suits, two-piece racing suits, track-day jackets, high-performance sport jackets.
Materials that reach Level AAA: cowhide 1.2–1.4mm, premium cowhide or kangaroo leather for racing suits, sometimes bi-elastic panels in a full leather construction.
Which level does your brand need?
The answer depends on your target customer and the riding context your product is designed for:
| Product type | Rider | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Urban commuter jacket | City rider, lower speeds | A |
| Touring / adventure jacket | Road rider, mixed conditions | AA |
| Sport jacket for road use | Performance road rider | AA |
| Track-day jacket or suit | Circuit / track use | AAA |
| Racing suit | Competition rider | AAA |
If you are unsure, AA is the right default for any general motorcycle jacket. It satisfies the protection expectations of most European retailers and is achievable in a range of materials and price points. Level A risks being perceived as insufficient by riders who know the standard. Level AAA adds significant cost and is only worth specifying if your product is genuinely for track use.
What Level AAA actually costs in construction terms
Moving from AA to AAA is not a minor upgrade. The construction differences include:
- Higher material grade — typically 1.2mm minimum full-grain cowhide, no textile outer shell
- Full abrasion resistance coverage across all zones, including areas Level AA permits as lower-resistance
- EN 1621-2 Level 2 back protector (not just Level 1)
- More complex pattern and construction to maintain abrasion integrity at panel seams
Expect production costs for a Level AAA racing suit to run 40–70% higher than a Level AA touring jacket of similar size, depending on the construction and materials specified.
Frequently asked questions
Is Level A legal to sell in the EU?
Yes. All three levels — A, AA, and AAA — are valid CE certification levels under EN 17092:2020. Level A is not a "fail" — it is the entry tier of the standard and is legal for sale in all EU and UK markets for the riding contexts it is designed for.
Can a retailer refuse Level A products?
Yes. Some European retailers, particularly those focused on touring and sport riding, specify Level AA or above as a stock requirement. If you are targeting specialist moto retailers rather than general fashion channels, check their specification requirements before committing to Level A.
What armour is required at each level?
All three levels require CE-approved protectors at shoulders and elbows (EN 1621-1). Level A allows optional back protection. Level AA requires a back protector pocket (protector can be optional for the consumer to add). Level AAA requires a Level 2 back protector (EN 1621-2 Level 2) fitted as standard.
Can the same garment be certified at multiple levels?
No. A garment is certified at one protection level. If you want to offer the same style at two levels (for example, a jacket with and without a Level 2 back protector), those are two separate products requiring separate certification.
Does AJSAMCO manufacture at all three EN 17092 levels?
Yes. We produce CE-capable garments at Level A, AA, and AAA. Our Level AAA production is primarily for racing suits and high-performance sport jackets in cowhide and goatskin construction. We prepare the technical construction file for each certification project alongside sample development.