Ireland’s new inflatable safety regulations, introduced on 2 October 2025, have completely reshaped the legal and financial landscape for inflatable hire operators, buyers, sellers, schools, and community groups.
This article explains why safety certificates now determine the value of inflatables in Ireland, why uncertified bouncy castles can no longer be legally used or insured, and how operators can verify certificates through the IIHF.
A New Era for Inflatable Values in Ireland
With the commencement of the new legislation, the value of bouncy castles and inflatable play equipment has changed overnight.
For the first time in Irish law, every inflatable used for hire or reward must have a valid safety certificate issued by a Suitably Qualified Individual (SQI).
Without this certificate, an inflatable cannot legally be operated — which means, in practical terms:
An inflatable without a safety certificate now has little or no value.
This applies to:
- second-hand inflatables
- newly imported inflatables
- privately sold units
- domestic hire inflatables
- community and commercial event units
Why Uncertified Bouncy Castles Are Now “Worthless”
Under the new law:
- A safety certificate is mandatory for operation
- The certificate must be issued by a qualified SQI
- Certificates must meet strict legal content standards
- A safety disc must be displayed on every inflatable
Because of this, an uncertified inflatable:
- cannot be insured
- cannot be hired out
- cannot legally operate
- cannot produce revenue
- may not even be certifiable if the design is non-compliant
This creates a new market reality:
If a second-hand inflatable does not have a valid safety certificate, it has no operational value — only salvage value.
Buying Inflatables in 2025 and Beyond: Verify Before You Buy
Anyone purchasing an inflatable — new or second-hand — must now:
- Obtain the safety certificate before buying
- Verify the certificate is genuine and compliant
- Confirm the issuing inspector qualifies as an SQI
- Ensure the inflatable can legally be operated under Irish law
Failure to do so may result in acquiring equipment that:
- cannot be used
- cannot be insured
- cannot be certified
- is unsafe or non-compliant
What was once a routine purchase is now a regulated legal transaction.
Certificate Verification — New IIHF Service for Members
To support safe trading and compliance, the IIHF now offers a Certificate Verification Service.
Any individual or organisation who wishes to verify a certificate may do so once registered as an IIHF “Advisory Services Member,” or if they are already a Full Member.
Verification includes:
- confirming the certificate meets legal requirements
- checking the inspector qualifies as an SQI under the new law
- detecting signs of misrepresentation or forgery
- reviewing inspection content for compliance
- advising whether the inflatable can legally operate
This service protects buyers, operators, insurers, and the public.
The Changing Market: Why Vigilance Is Now Essential
The new law will reduce:
- unsafe inflatables
- uncertified imports
- non-compliant operators
- fraudulent or incorrect safety documentation
However, during the transition period, risks remain:
- forged or altered certificates
- uncertified inflatables being sold into the second-hand market
- units that cannot meet EN14960 standards
- operators unknowingly buying equipment that cannot be used
From now on, the safety certificate is the primary determinant of value in Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a safety certificate for a bouncy castle in Ireland?
Yes. Under the 2025 legislation, every inflatable used for hire must have a valid safety certificate issued by a Suitably Qualified Individual.
Can I legally operate an inflatable without a certificate?
No. Operating without a certificate may lead to enforcement action, insurance refusal, and legal liability.
How do I verify if a certificate is genuine?
You can use the IIHF’s Certificate Verification Service as a Full Member or Advisory Services Member.
What happens if I buy an uncertified inflatable?
It may be impossible to operate, insure, or certify — leaving the inflatable with little or no value.
Does the IIHF help buyers and organisations?
Yes. The IIHF provides independent verification and guidance for operators, schools, and community groups.
Conclusion
Ireland now has one of the strongest inflatable safety frameworks in Europe. The message is clear:
Without a valid safety certificate, an inflatable has no operational value.
Verify all certificates before buying any new or second-hand inflatable.
The IIHF is here to support operators and organisations through this new legal landscape.
For certificate verification or advice, contact:
📧 info@iihf.ie
