The European Union’s Safety Gate rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products has issued a recall notice for multiple ski boot models under the HEAD brand, following reports of material defects that may lead to injuries.

Alert Overview

• Alert number: SR/00488/26

• Notifying country: Austria

• Product category: Hobby / sports equipment

• Product type: Consumer ski boots

• Brand: HEAD

• Recall action: Product recall from end users

• Effective date: January 27, 2026

• Legal basis: Non-compliance with the EU General Product Safety Regulation

Affected Models

The recall applies to multiple ski boot models produced between 2016 and 2022, including:

• ADVANT EDGE 105

• ADVANT EDGE 85 R

• FORMULA 120

• FORMULA 120 GW

• FORMULA RS 120

• FORMULA RS 120 GW

• NEXT EDGE 85HT

• RAPTOR 40HT

• RAPTOR 50HT

• VECTOR 130 RS

• VECTOR EVO ST

Associated batch numbers include:

601113, 601150, 602113, 602124, 602127, 606616, 607056, 607311, 607335, 607337, 608033, 608113, 609060.

Risk Description

According to the Safety Gate notification, the affected ski boots may develop tears and cracks during their expected service life.

Such defects could lead to:

• Loss of control while skiing

• Increased risk of falls

• Potential injuries to the user

The products were found not to comply with the EU General Product Safety Regulation.

Corrective Measures

The manufacturer has initiated a recall from end users.

Consumers are advised to check their ski boot models and batch numbers and follow the recall instructions provided on the official website:

Recall information: https://www.head.com/de_AT/recalls

Industry Implications

This recall highlights several ongoing trends in the European sporting goods market:

1. Tightened enforcement of product safety regulations under the EU’s updated General Product Safety framework.

2. Increased scrutiny of long-term material durability, not only initial product performance.

3. Greater expectations for traceability and after-sales recall systems across the sporting goods sector.

For manufacturers, importers, and distributors operating in the EU, the case serves as a reminder to:

• Maintain robust product life-cycle testing

• Monitor field performance data

• Ensure rapid recall execution capabilities

As regulatory oversight continues to strengthen across Europe, proactive quality management and compliance strategies will remain critical for global sporting goods brands.