FIA Karting 8877-2022 Homologation Standard: What You Need to Know

The FIA introduced the 8877-2022 homologation standard to bring karting protective gear in line with modern safety testing methods. If you race in any sanctioned karting event — or plan to — understanding this standard is not optional. It determines whether your suit, gloves, and boots are permitted at the track.

This guide covers exactly what changed, what the new Grade classifications mean, the key dates you need on your calendar, and what EPIC Racewear builds to meet this standard.

What Is FIA 8877-2022?

FIA 8877-2022 is the current FIA homologation standard for karting protective clothing — specifically suits, gloves, and boots. It replaces the previous CIK-FIA N2013-1 Level classification system that governed karting apparel for over a decade.

The standard was developed by the FIA Safety Department in collaboration with manufacturers and technical experts, following a detailed analysis of injuries and accidents in karting. The result is a significantly more rigorous testing process that covers abrasion resistance, tear strength, seam tensile strength, and — new to this standard — resistance to contact heat of at least 100°C for 10 seconds.

From LEVEL to GRADE — What Changed

The old CIK-FIA system used a LEVEL classification — Level 1 and Level 2 — to distinguish protection tiers. FIA 8877-2022 replaces this with a GRADE system.

GRADE 1 — Short Circuit Karting

GRADE 1 is the standard for short-circuit karting competition — the format that covers the vast majority of karting events in Canada and globally. Sprint karting, arrive-and-drive, regional championships, and national series on closed short circuits all fall into this category.

EPIC Racewear builds to FIA 8877-2022 GRADE 1 specification. Every EPIC Racewear FIA-homologated karting suit carries Grade 1 certification, confirmed by the FIA hologram affixed to the garment.

What GRADE 1 Testing Covers

Every suit earning Grade 1 homologation must pass testing for:

• Abrasion resistance — tested using the Darmstad method, which replaced the older Cambridge method and aligns karting with the standards used in motorcycle protective clothing
• Tear strength — fabric and seam resistance to tearing under force
• Seam tensile strength — seams must hold under the stresses of a real crash
• Contact heat resistance — the suit must withstand a minimum of 100°C contact heat for 10 seconds, a requirement that did not exist under the old LEVEL system

Gloves and Boots — Now Part of the Standard

One of the most significant changes under FIA 8877-2022 is the extension of homologation requirements to karting gloves and boots. Under the old CIK-FIA system, gloves and boots were not subject to formal homologation. That changed with 8877-2022.

Gloves must fully cover the hands and wrists and carry the 8877-2022 hologram. There are no grade classifications for gloves — there is one homologation standard and a product either meets it or it does not.

Boots must cover the feet and protect the ankles, and must also carry the 8877-2022 hologram. Like gloves, boots have no grade classification under this standard.

EPIC Racewear builds custom karting gloves and karting shoes. Visit our custom karting gloves and custom karting shoes pages for current options.

The Hologram — Proof of Compliance

All suits, gloves, and boots meeting FIA 8877-2022 must carry a unique hologram as proof of homologation. The hologram serves two purposes: it confirms the product has passed FIA testing, and it helps combat counterfeit karting gear — a real and growing problem in the sport.

Suits under FIA 8877-2022 also carry an expiration date on the hologram. Grade 1 suits have a 5-year lifespan for FIA-sanctioned events. Always confirm the expiry date on your suit before entering a sanctioned event.

Do not purchase karting suits, gloves, or boots from unknown or unofficial channels. If a product cannot show you its homologation hologram, it has not been tested to this standard.

Key Dates

What This Means for Canadian Karters

If you race in sanctioned national karting events in Canada — including ASN Canada FIA-affiliated championships and Rotax Max Challenge Canada — FIA 8877-2022 homologated gloves and boots have been mandatory since January 2025. Suits under the old standard are still permitted through the end of 2029.

If you race in regional or club-level karting series that do not operate under the FIA International Sporting Calendar, check your specific series rulebook. Many regional series in Canada still accept club-spec suits and non-homologated gear. When in doubt, contact your series organizer directly before ordering.

If you are buying a new suit now, EPIC Racewear recommends ordering to FIA 8877-2022 Grade 1 standard regardless of your current series requirements. You will be ahead of the 2030 mandatory transition and your suit will be accepted at any level of competition.

EPIC Racewear FIA 8877-2022 Grade 1 Karting Suits

Every EPIC Racewear FIA-homologated karting suit is:

• Built to FIA 8877-2022 Grade 1 specification
• Custom-made to your exact measurements — no off-the-shelf sizing
• Available in full dye-sublimation or embroidery finish
• Designed to your team colours and sponsor layout
• Built and shipped from Walkerton, Ontario — no offshore lead times, no cross-border duty for Canadian orders

We also build club-spec karting suits at a lower price point for drivers who do not require FIA homologation. Both tiers use the same Cordura outer shell and the same custom construction process.

Browse our kart racing suits or contact EPIC Racewear to discuss your series requirements before ordering.