Pupil information sheet

Kitemark

If this symbol is found on a product, it means that the product has passed many kinds of tests.

Products need to be tested to see if they are safe and if they keep to Standards that have been set for them. Standards are guidelines or rules to be followed.

Standards help to keep things the same. Imagine if railway tracks were all different sizes? Or if your CDs didn't fit into your stereo? Standards help keep things safe and reliable. Imagine if cycle helmets cracked on impact? Or if the packing material of crisps was poisonous?

Standards protect us.

The British Standards Institution (BSI for short) is the organisation that helps to create Standards and tests many of the products we have in our homes and schools. If a product meets a Standard, BSI issues a Kitemark which is displayed on the product. BSI makes sure that the Standards are met to keep us safe and sound.

Examples of products that have Kitemarks are pillows, crash helmets and electrical plugs.