Harness approvals

What does FIA 8853-2016 mean, and how long is the approval valid?

FIA 8853-2016 is the official safety standard for motorsport harnesses, issued by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) – the international governing body behind Formula 1, WRC, drifting, rally and many other disciplines.

The number 8853-2016 means:

  • 8853 = the FIA’s standard code for harnesses.

  • 2016 = the year the regulation was updated and became effective (it replaced the previous FIA 8853/98).

This standard defines strict requirements for how a harness must be designed, tested and approved, including:

  • Load tests under extreme acceleration and deceleration.

  • Strength of buckles, adjusters and stitching.

  • Durability and heat resistance of materials.

  • Compatibility with HANS® systems and competition seats.

Harnesses approved under FIA 8853-2016 therefore provide significantly higher protection than older models.

Approval validity:
FIA approval is valid for 5 years from the date of manufacture, plus the year of production.

Example:

  • A harness manufactured in 2023 is valid until the end of 2028.

  • A harness from 2020 is valid until the end of 2025.

After this period, the harness can no longer be used in FIA-regulated competitions (such as rally, circuit racing, drifting, endurance, etc.).

Each harness has a FIA label, usually sewn on the shoulder strap, showing:

  • “FIA 8853-2016”

  • Serial number

  • Month and year of manufacture

  • Manufacturer name

This label is checked during technical inspection.

In short:

  • FIA 8853-2016 = the latest and most advanced safety standard for motorsport harnesses.

  • Valid for 5 years + production year.

  • Required for FIA-regulated motorsport such as rally, drifting, circuit and endurance racing.

  • Older FIA 8853/98 harnesses are no longer allowed in official competition.