Industry resources & events
These are the sources we use in our own work: primary legislative and standards registers, industry organisations, and the trade fairs where the leather, footwear and PPE industries meet year after year.
This is a curated selection, not an exhaustive list. We have no advertising or partnership arrangement with any of these organisations and take no responsibility for the linked content. Reviewed: 2026-08-03.
Regulation and registers
Primary sources: where the requirement in force — and who may certify — can be checked.
- European Commission – notified-body register (SMCS)
Successor of NANDO: the designation, product scope and identification number of every notified body. BIMEO’s number is 1524.
- EUR-Lex – Regulation (EU) 2016/425
The authentic text of the PPE Regulation in every EU language — the source of the categories, modules and manufacturer obligations.
- List of harmonised standards (PPE)
Which standards give presumption of conformity, and in which edition — the starting point for planning a type-examination.
- MSZT – Hungarian Standards Institution
National (MSZ EN) editions of the EN standards — most in English with a Hungarian title page — and the MSZT web shop.
- CEN – European Committee for Standardization
The body developing EN standards; where to follow which standard is under revision.
Industry organisations and trade media
Where the sector’s news, statistics and partner search actually happen.
- World Footwear
The international news portal and organisation directory of the footwear industry, with the annual World Footwear Yearbook statistics.
BIMEO is listed in the directory (Testing and Research Ltd., Hungary).
- Fibre2Fashion – textile and footwear industry news
Daily English-language news on the textile, apparel and footwear industries; the Regulations and Technical Textiles sections carry the EU regulatory and PPE items.
- ESF – European Safety Federation
The federation of the European PPE sector: position papers, guidance, and interpretation of market-surveillance and regulatory changes.
- UITIC – International Union of Shoe Industry Technicians
The international technical organisation of footwear technology; its congresses are the forum for manufacturing technology and materials science.
- COTANCE – European leather industry association
The European representation of the tanning industry: sustainability and materials-regulation topics first-hand.
Trade fairs
Where manufacturers, suppliers and testing laboratories meet year after year. Confirm the dates on the organiser’s site before you travel.
- A+A, Düsseldorf
The leading international trade fair and congress for occupational safety, health and personal protective equipment.
Biennial, in odd years; the next edition is 19–22 October 2027.
- Lineapelle, Milan
The international fair of leather, accessories, components and synthetics — one of the key venues for material selection.
Twice a year (February and September), Fieramilano Rho.
- SIMAC Tanning Tech, Milan
The exhibition of machinery and technology for footwear, leather goods and tanning — same venue and dates as Lineapelle.
Annual, running alongside Lineapelle.
Missing an important source?
If you know an organisation or event that belongs in this selection, tell us — we refresh the list regularly.