VPROTEQUIP2050 - Protective equipment: Protective boots and helmets for industrial use: The law
Whilst in the EU, the UK retained the right to continue to apply any zero rates in force on 1 January 1991 under Article 112 of the Principle VAT Directive.
The UK legal basis for the zero-rating of protective boots and helmets for industrial use is VAT Act 1994, Schedule 8 (zero rating), Group 16 (clothing and footwear), Item 2.