Kart Race Suit, Gloves and Helmet: The New FIA 8877-2022 Homologation Rules
Since 1 January 2025 the rules on technical karting apparel have changed significantly: for the first time there is an official homologation for gloves and boots too, not just the race suit, and even the way items are tested in the laboratory has changed. Anyone racing competitively needs to know this, but it is also useful for those getting into karting who want to understand what to buy without making mistakes.
In short Since 1 January 2025 FIA 8877-2022 has been mandatory in international events and, for the first time, it also homologates gloves and boots. The classification moves from Level to Grade, while CIK-FIA 2013-1 Level 2 suits remain valid until 2029. Before getting on track, also check the labels on your helmet and rib protector.
What changes with FIA 8877-2022
Until 2024, official homologation covered only the race suit (since 2001 with the CIK-FIA 2001-1 standard, then from 2013 with CIK-FIA 2013-1, which introduced two protection levels, Level 1 and Level 2, differing in abrasion resistance) and, from 2018, the rib protector. Gloves and boots had never had a dedicated homologation standard.
FIA 8877-2022 changes this: it is the first standard covering race suit, gloves and boots together, with tests based on real injury and accident data collected over the years. Since 1 January 2025 it has been mandatory for all events on the international sporting calendar.
Watch the terminology: the new standard no longer uses "Level 1 / Level 2" from CIK-FIA 2013-1 but "Grade 1 / Grade 2". Grade 1 is the new base level and replaces the old Level 2; Grade 2 offers higher protection, close to that of motorcycle leathers, designed also for long circuits. Gloves and boots, on the other hand, have no grades. If you read "Grade" on a label, that item is homologated to the new FIA 8877-2022 standard.
How the homologation tests work
Race suits, gloves and boots undergo laboratory tests for abrasion resistance, tear resistance (the tearing of the fabric) and seam tensile strength, plus a contact heat resistance test: the material must withstand a temperature of 100°C for at least 10 seconds without failing. One of the most significant technical changes concerns the abrasion test itself, which moves from the old Cambridge method to the new Darmstadt method, considered more representative of real sliding conditions on asphalt in a crash.
The rib protector: the first homologation ever, since 2018
Before 2018 the rib protector had no technical standard: design was left entirely to individual manufacturers. FIA 8870-2018 changed this, imposing precise requirements for the first time, including rigid protection on the front and back as well (not only on the sides, as was often the case before), made of the same material and with the same minimum height as the side protection.
It was introduced gradually: the obligation started with international events and then progressively extended to national and local championships. Today it is an established standard, but it is worth remembering that the rib protector, not just the race suit, is a fully homologated item and should be chosen and checked with the same care.
Why gloves and boots have different requirements from the race suit
In karting, unlike in racing cars, the driver is exposed and there is no fuel tank in direct contact with the cockpit: that is why the main requirement for gloves and boots is not fire resistance but resistance to abrasion and tearing, the real risks of a fall or slide on asphalt. For gloves, grip on the steering wheel also matters a lot, as it is essential for controlling the kart under acceleration and braking.
Karting boots typically have an ankle-boot shape that rises above the ankle to protect it from impacts against the rigid surfaces of the cockpit, with a flat, thin rubber sole designed to give feel on the pedals, with no heel or thickness that could get caught while driving.
Race suits: old and new standards coexist until 2029
For race suits, the new FIA 8877-2022 standard does not immediately cancel the previous one: suits homologated CIK-FIA 2013-1 Level 2 remain valid until 31 December 2029, in a transition period designed so that nobody is forced to change suit overnight. For gloves and boots it is different, because no standard existed before: any FIA 8877-2022 homologation on these two products is therefore the very first.
How to recognise a homologated item
On the race suit: the homologation label is embroidered on the collar and shows the standard number, manufacturer, homologation number, protection grade and expiry date. A FIA hologram applied inside the closure system is also required.
On gloves: the label is more compact and shows the standard, manufacturer, homologation number and year of validity, with the hologram placed inside the cuff.
On boots: same logic as the gloves for the label, with the hologram placed inside the tongue.
The helmet: watch out for expired homologations
There are updates to know for helmets too: since 1 January 2025, helmets with CMS 2007 and CMR 2007 homologation can no longer be used by drivers up to 15 years old. For drivers aged 15 and over there is also the new FIA 8878-2024 standard, dedicated to karting helmets. If you have a young driver in the family, it is worth checking the helmet homologation before every racing season, not just the race suit's.
Frequently asked questions
Since when has FIA 8877-2022 been mandatory?
Since 1 January 2025, for all events on the international sporting calendar.
What is the difference between Level 1/2 and Grade 1/2?
Level 1 and Level 2 were the grades of the old CIK-FIA 2013-1 standard. FIA 8877-2022 has Grade 1, the new base level that replaces the old Level 2, and Grade 2, with higher protection also for long circuits. If the label says "Grade", the item is homologated to the new standard.
Is my race suit homologated to the old Level 2 standard still valid?
Yes, if it is homologated CIK-FIA 2013-1 Level 2: it remains valid until 31 December 2029, after which only FIA 8877-2022 suits will be accepted.
Were gloves and boots homologated before?
No, FIA 8877-2022 is the first homologation standard ever for karting gloves and boots: previously homologation existed only for the race suit and the rib protector.
Why don't karting gloves have to be fire-resistant like in cars?
Because in karting the main risk in a crash is abrasion on the asphalt, not contact with fire: the priority requirement for gloves and boots is therefore resistance to tearing and abrasion, not fire resistance.
How can I tell if my helmet is still compliant?
Check the homologation shown on the helmet: since 1 January 2025, CMS 2007 and CMR 2007 homologations can no longer be used by drivers up to 15 years old.
Any doubts about your race suit homologation, or want to customise it? Message us on WhatsApp.
Conclusion
FIA 8877-2022 is not a cosmetic update: it changes the test method, changes the terminology from Level to Grade, and for the first time gives gloves and boots a real safety homologation. Checking the labels of what you wear on track, helmet and rib protector included, takes a few minutes and is always worth doing before the start of every season.
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 5 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
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