My serial number is starting to fade: what should I do?
The legibility of the serial number and CE marking on your personal protective equipment (PPE) is not merely a recommendation; it is a regulatory requirement (EU Regulation 2016/425) essential for traceability. If a marking becomes illegible, the equipment must be retired. However, steps can be taken before it reaches this point.
Updated June 8, 2026
According to EU Regulation 2016-425, all PPE must have at least a unique identification mark and a CE mark.
Note: this unique ID can be Petzl’s serial number or your own unique ID. If you use your own unique ID (code/color), you must first record the associated Petzl serial number in your PPE register.
As specified in the product’s Instructions for Use, if the marking becomes illegible, the product must be retired. So if your marking starts to fade, it is important to preserve it so you can continue to use the product.
Above all, if your marking starts to fade, it is necessary to understand the cause by posing relevant questions about your usage. For example, has your product been exposed to UV rays, chemicals, or any other harsh environment that could damage the PPE as a whole?
So make sure your product meets all PPE inspection criteria.
If this is the case, then you can consider a new marking using our marking recommendations in the following document: How do I mark a product?
