- Under SFI, the manufacturer certifies the product under a licence agreement; SFI does not certify or approve products.
- A private-label suit must still identify the certifying manufacturer on a label inside.
- Fabric alone never makes a garment compliant: the finished construction is tested.
- Ask for the certifying manufacturer and check it on SFI's published manufacturer lists.
Who certifies an SFI product
Under SFI specifications such as 3.2A (driver suits) and 3.3 (gloves, underwear, hoods, socks, shoes), certification is made by the manufacturer, under a licence agreement with the SFI Foundation. SFI states that products in its programme are not certified, endorsed or approved by SFI itself. The patch means the manufacturer represents that the product passed the required tests. See our SFI 3.2A guide.
What this means for your brand
If you sell racewear under your own brand, the product can only carry an SFI patch when the certifying manufacturer has tested it and is authorised to label it. Under 3.2A, a suit sold under another brand must still identify the certifying manufacturer on a label inside the suit.
Patch and label positions
On a suit, the conformance patch goes on the left sleeve between wrist and shoulder (not on the cuff), or on the back no more than 4 inches below the collar. On pants it goes on the left side or rear centre at the belt line. Under 3.3, every individual item carries its own patch: each glove, each sock, each shoe.
Re-certification
Suits certified at /10 or higher are inspected every five years by the certifying manufacturer and receive a new label marked with the year of inspection.
Materials are not certification
Nomex® and Proban® are materials. Using them does not make a garment SFI compliant. The finished garment, including thread, zipper, cuffs and stretch panels, is what the specification tests. See the SFI guide.
How we handle it
Every Cuircon product page shows its verified certification status. Products in development are clearly marked, and the certification status, certifying manufacturer and labelling for your order are confirmed in the quotation before you order. Start with a quote.
FAQs
Can we put our own logo on an SFI suit?
Yes, embroidered logos are permitted by SFI 3.2A. The certifying manufacturer must still be identified inside the suit.
Does SFI keep a list of manufacturers?
Yes. SFI publishes lists of manufacturers participating in each specification. Check the certifying manufacturer of any product you buy.
