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Rule changes for FIA approved race harnesses and seats – MSA update bulletin September 2018.

We have just been informed by the MSA that they have amended their rules and life of FIA approved harnesses and seats. Attached below is the amended document from the MSA.

There is already much confusion so it's worth reading this MSA document carefully- and please don't shoot the messengers!

Click here to read the MSA updates on Harnesses and Seats

Harnesses:

In simple terms; harnesses homologated to the latest FIA approval, 8853-2016, will now be valid for MSA governed national events for 10 years from the date of manufacture. The MSA have extended the usable life of these harnesses by 5 years.

The validity of the older 8853/98 and 8854/98 harnesses have not changed. These are only valid for use until the 31st December of the year stated on the FIA label.

Seats:

In simple terms; seats homologated to the latest FIA approval, 8855-1999, will now be valid for MSA governed national Rally events for 7 years from the date of manufacture. The MSA have extended the usable life of these seats by 2 years.

The validity of the 8862-2009 standard has not changed. This is only valid for use until the 31st December of the year stated on the FIA label. This FIA approval already has a 10 year life.

We understand this doesn’t help people who have not yet invested in the newer standard FIA harnesses but when you do so in the near future, it will give you plenty of life in the new harness for MSA governed events. Hopefully this is has a positive outcome on UK motorsport and helps to keep club level racing and rallying costs down.

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18th April 2023