VPROTEQUIP3030 - Protective equipment: Motorcycle helmets: 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 motorcycle helmets is VAT Act 1994, Schedule 8 (zero rating), Group 16 (clothing and footwear), Item 3.