FIA 8856-2018 replaced FIA 8856-2000 and is considerably stricter. It is the clothing standard referred to by FIA-regulated competition. Products are homologated individually, and each homologated product carries an FIA label and hologram.
What the standard covers
The standard prescribes design requirements, test methods and performance for clothing that protects drivers in automobile competition against heat and flame. Its scope is protection against direct flame and against second-degree burns for a limited period, with requirements for flame spread, heat transmission, mechanical resistance and tensile strength.
The current edition does not include electrical protection requirements. The FIA has stated that a test procedure for these is being developed.
Heat transmission requirements
Heat transmission is measured as HTI24: the time, in seconds, for the temperature behind the sample to rise by 24 °C. Each component assembly is tested, and every sample has to reach the minimum.
| Garment | Minimum HTI24 (seconds) |
|---|---|
| Overalls (outer garment) | 12.00 |
| Undergarments | 5.00 |
| Balaclava (rear and frontal projection) | 5.00 |
| Socks (zone A) | 5.00 |
| Gloves, back and fourchettes (new homologations from 1.1.2023) | 13.00 |
| Gloves, palm (new homologations from 1.1.2023) | 9.50 |
FIA 8856-2018 article 6.2: minimum HTI24 per component assembly.
Construction points that affect compliance
Requirements apply to each component assembly, the combination of layers used in each area of the garment. Panels, collars, cuffs, stretch inserts and badges are all part of the garment and are covered by the homologation.
Gloves were tightened in 2022: new glove homologations from 1 January 2023 must reach 13.00 s on the back and 9.50 s on the palm, against 11.00 s and 8.00 s before.
Labels, holograms and validity
Every garment except socks carries an FIA label and an FIA hologram, and each glove and each shoe carries its own hologram. FIA guidance asks buyers to check both on every item they purchase.
For 8856-2018 clothing, validity expires ten years after the year of manufacture. FIA guidance gives 2029 as the end of acceptance for 8856-2000 clothing. Championship regulations can set different dates, so check the rules for the events the clothing is for.
What buyers should check
- Check the FIA label and hologram on every item (on each glove and each shoe, too).
- Look up the homologation number on the label in the FIA technical list for 8856-2018 (Technical List n°74).
- Check the year of manufacture: validity ends ten years after it.
- Check the clothing rules of the championship the garments are for.
Sources
Read from the official documents on 8 November 2026. Standards are revised, so always check the current edition and the rules of your series.