FIA 8877-2022 is the FIA standard for karting clothing. It is designed mainly for protection against abrasion, with requirements for contact heat and tearing. Karting clothing is not flame-resistant clothing and is not suitable for car racing.
What the standard covers
The standard prescribes design requirements, test methods and performance for protective clothing for karting competitors, covering overalls, gloves and shoes. Its stated purpose is protection mainly against abrasion, with requirements for contact heat and tearing.
It is a different kind of protection from FIA 8856 or SFI 3.2A. A karting suit protects the skin when a driver slides along the track surface. It does not provide flame protection.
Grade 1 and Grade 2 overalls
Overalls are homologated in one of two grades of abrasion protection. Grade 1 overalls give a high degree of protection and are intended for short-circuit karting. Grade 2 overalls give a higher degree of protection than Grade 1 and are intended for long-circuit karting, where speeds are higher.
The grade is printed on the FIA homologation label.
Construction points that affect compliance
The materials and layer combinations (component assemblies) used in the overalls are tested for abrasion resistance, and the test is more severe for Grade 2.
The standard defines abrasion exemption zones: specific areas where lower or no abrasion requirements apply. The manufacturer documents them with a 2D diagram as part of homologation, so panel layout and design are part of what is approved.
Labels, holograms and validity
The FIA homologation label on overalls shows the standard number, the manufacturer's name or logo, the homologation number, the grade of abrasion protection and the end of validity (year only). An FIA hologram is also applied. Gloves and shoes have their own label and hologram positions.
Each karting garment is valid for five years after the year of manufacture. For example, overalls made at any time in 2023 are valid until 31 December 2028.
Older CIK-FIA homologated overalls remain in use during a transition period set by FIA karting regulations. Check the current regulations for the dates.
What buyers should check
- Check the FIA label: standard number, homologation number, grade and end-of-validity year.
- Check the hologram.
- Confirm whether the series requires Grade 1 or Grade 2.
- Remember that a non-homologated kart suit is not suitable for competitions that require FIA 8877-2022.
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.