When it comes to sourcing uniform and protective gear for frontline teams, procurement isn’t just about price and supply, it’s about compliance, responsibility, and safety.
In a market where non-compliant or counterfeit PPE still exists, knowing the regulations that govern protective clothing is essential. At Yaffy, we don’t just manufacture uniform, we make sure it stands up to scrutiny. Here’s a breakdown of what every procurement team needs to know when it comes to PPE regulations in the UK.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is defined in law as equipment designed to protect the wearer from health or safety risks. In our world, that includes garments like body armour, hi-vis jackets, flame-retardant clothing, and other specialised uniform components.
In the UK, the supply and manufacture of PPE is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/425, as retained in UK law post-Brexit. This regulation requires that:
All PPE is properly tested and certified
It must bear the correct UKCA or CE marking
Suppliers must hold and make available a Declaration of Conformity
Risk assessments and technical documentation must support every product
As a procurement professional, ensuring your supplier is compliant with these requirements isn’t optional, it’s a legal and moral duty.
To make sure the PPE and uniforms you source are compliant, here are a few practical checks you can build into your procurement process:
Check the markings – Is the product UKCA or CE marked?
Request certification – A Declaration of Conformity should always be available.
Audit your supplier – Are they a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier? This adds a layer of independent validation.
Ask about testing – Ensure garments have been tested against the relevant standards (e.g. EN ISO 20471 for hi-vis).
Evaluate training – Does your supplier understand PPE legislation, or are they simply selling product?
When sourcing garments for public-facing or high-risk roles, these checks aren’t red tape, they’re life-saving safeguards.
Unfortunately, not all products on the market are genuine or properly certified. Some may claim CE or UKCA approval but have no valid documentation or fail to meet performance standards, and that poses a serious risk to wearers and buying organisations alike.
Procuring non-compliant PPE can lead to:
Injury to the wearer
Legal liability for the buyer
Failure in audits and inspections
Reputational damage
At Yaffy, we take that risk out of the equation.
Every Yaffy garment is developed with regulatory compliance built in, from design and material selection to testing, marking, and certification. As a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier, we’re independently audited and accountable.
We don’t just promise compliance, we prove it, with the documentation and technical support procurement teams need for confident decision-making.
If you're involved in PPE procurement, keep these key points front of mind:
Understand the regulations – UKCA and CE marking is just the start.
Choose verified suppliers – Look for the BSIF shield.
Request proof – Don’t accept verbal assurance alone.
Protect your team and your organisation – Compliance isn’t a choice; it’s a responsibility.
Looking for compliant uniform solutions from a supplier who understands the regulations inside out? Contact the Yaffy team today, we’re ready to help you get it right, first time.