SFI, FIA & SNELL TAG GUIDE
KNOW THE BASICS
ALWAYS CHECK YOUR HELMETS, SEATS, HARNESSES, NETS, FHR DATE TAGS they have expiration dates.
SFI, FIA & SNELL are the primary safety organizations that certify auto sport products.
SFI and SNELL are accepted in the USA. The FIA standards are recognized internationally.
SFI & FIA set standards for multiple products. SNELL is helmets only, but their certifications do include those for karting and motorbike helmets. SNELL SA (automotive activities) SNELL K (karting) SNELL M (motorcycles)
SFI, SNELL & FIA products will display their certification tags at predetermined, homologated locations on the product. Misplaced tags can indicate a fraudulent product. Apparel tags are placed so tech inspectors can easily access them. Helmet tags are hidden under the helmet’s interior lining to protect them.
Many critical certifications tags have expiration dates. Before the start of the your track season check these crucial product tags - tech inspectors will!
Before your next track/racing season CHECK YOUR HELMETS, SEATS, HARNESSES, NETS, FHR DATE TAGS
The SFI & FIA now make it easier to learn the product’s expiration date. The tags will state ‘not valid after’(FIA) or ‘valid until’ (SFI.) When the FIA tag states ‘not valid after (year)’ then that items compliance will last until December 31 of that year. SFI has recently changed their tags to clearly state the expiration date of the product. If your SFI date tags state the year and month of production, you need to know how long the life is for this certification, or recertification. For example, for FHR devices it is five years, harnesses are two years.
*Note the non-pro racing series such as those held by NASA & SCCA are more lenient with compliance to the products expiration dates, especially SFI nets & harnesses. However, this does vary with the regions - so check their safety regulations or (best) contact the organization directly. We are aware SCCA extends the operating life of those SFI two year tagged, webbed, safety restraints (including nets and harnesses) to five years. We again, advise you thoroughly research your organization rules before you get to the track.
Expiration lengths vary with the sanctioning safety councils, the type of product, and the product’s spec certification. For example, most FIA seats are for five years FIA 8855-1999, but the more stringent professional FIA 8862-2009 is for ten years. FIA harnesses are for five years, SFI state two years.
FIA certification tags now, are always accompanied with a security, hologram sticker - designed to makes it harder to counterfeit the product. Each hologram is unique to that one item. The most up-to-date FIA homologations have gold hologram stickers, the previous generation was silver.
Note: A Silver FIA hologram does not indicate the product is out-of-date and cannot be used. It simple indicates an earlier model with that previous generation’s homologation
SNELL auto helmet tags are now harder to find. Search for them under the interior foam. SNELL updates its certification requirements every five years. Currently it is SA2020 for auto helmets and K2020 for karting. Most auto sport organizations will accept SA2015 or K2015. In October 2025 Snell will (should) introduce their SA2025 models. Frequently, these helmets are not immediately available and the models gradually reach the US market. Each motorsports club or racing organization will adapt to the situation. Before the 2026 season check the groups helmet requirements.
SNELL SA2025, K2025. Should be available October 2025. We expect most brands to have their models ready, but, from our experience, certain models may not be available until 2026.
Helmets can be FIA and/or SNELL tagged. International racing series require a FIA helmet. The FIA works differently and does not automatically change the homologation every five years. They change or upgrade their testing requirements for the level of the sport and/or when they believe it is necessary - adapting to new safety requirements, critical events, new technology and material.
For the FIA the year of their standard will be displayed following the FIA standard code
For example: 8856 indicates the FIA Standard for safety apparel.
8856-2018 denotes the year of the homologation for this product.
And 8856-2000 indicates the year of the previous homologation for apparel.
SFI SAFETY APPAREL as yet, have no expiration dates, although we understand this could be changing and we will keep you posted.
The FIA used to display the date of manufacture with no expiration date. The FIA now has a new standard (FIA 8856-2018) which requires an expiration date to be displayed onto the suits back collar. The suit has a life of ten years from the date of manufacture. (HOWEVER in the US, this is acknowledged or enforced) The FIA does not believe suits, safely, have a 10 year life. In reality this is generous - dirty, oil stained frayed, ill-fitting, sun damaged suits are a fire hazard. HOWEVER, in the US (so far) only the condition of the suit can get it rejected. Tech inspectors will look for holes, tears, frayed seams, broken zips, and similar.
KNOW YOUR TAGS and where to find them, plus never remove them! The tags with their expirations dates are created for your safety. The certifications groups will revise their testing requirements as they must adjust to the latest innovations, technology, materials, racing series, new safety hazards, and increased speeds.
