Discover our years of experience in Motorsport and how we craft custom roll cage prototypes, one-offs, and full production items that meet MSUK compliance standards

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Certification

Roll Cage Certification Explained

1. What does “FIA certified” actually mean?

You’ll often see cages advertised as “FIA certified” or “FIA homologated”. In most cases, this means the manufacturer has submitted a specific cage design (for a specific car) to the governing body for homologation. That drawing, with that exact tube layout and dimensions, is what gets approved.

The approval applies to that exact design only. If you change certain elements (tube sizes, pick-up points, extra bars, etc.), you are no longer using the homologated design. Homologated cages usually come with a stamped plate or label showing a homologation number and manufacturer.

This route is common for one-make series and spec championships, where everyone must use the same cage design.

2. Do you need an FIA-homologated cage?

For many customers, no.

What scrutineers and regulations usually care about is that your cage:

  • Uses correct materials (tube sizes, wall thickness, steel grade).
  • Follows the permitted designs/layouts in the current regulations.
  • Is properly installed and welded/bolted.

There are two broad ways a cage can be compliant:

  1. Homologated design – approved drawing, fixed spec, often with an ID plate.
  2. Regulation-compliant design – built directly to the roll cage regulations without separate homologation.

Both can be acceptable, depending on the championship and the local ASN. Many cars run cages that are not individually homologated, but are fully regulation-compliant and pass scrutineering.

3. How MRC approaches cage design and compliance

At Motorsport Roll Cages (MRC):

  • We design and manufacture cages to meet or exceed the applicable regulations (FIA / MSUK or other relevant rule sets).
  • We prioritise correct tube sizes, materials and geometry over marketing labels.
  • We allow for sensible customisation while staying within the rules.

Our philosophy is simple: If the rulebook says how it should be built, we build it that way.

4. Why MRC cages are not “FIA certified” in the marketing sense

We are often asked: “Is the cage FIA certified?”

The honest answer:

  • We do not normally submit each cage design for FIA homologation.
  • We build them to the regulations instead.

Why?

Homologation limits flexibility

Once a design is homologated, you are essentially “locked” into that spec. Any change can technically invalidate the approval. That’s not ideal when many of our customers want custom features.

Cost vs benefit for customers

Homologation adds cost and admin, which ultimately gets passed on to you. For most club and track-day drivers, the extra cost of a homologation number adds no real-world safety benefit over a properly designed regulation-compliant cage.

Focus on regulation compliance and manufacturing quality

The most important thing is that the cage is correct in design and execution. Our processes, materials and designs are geared toward being fully compliant with the relevant motorsport regulations, rather than chasing a label.

5. Documentation you receive: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformity

Instead of an FIA label, we provide a:

Manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

This document confirms that:

  • The cage was designed and manufactured by Motorsport Roll Cages.
  • It uses specified tube dimensions and material grades appropriate for the regulations.
  • The design conforms to the applicable roll cage rules (e.g. FIA/MSUK / Your governing body’s regulations) for that vehicle type/use, as agreed at the point of order.

You can show this to scrutineers, vehicle inspectors, or anyone who needs evidence that the cage is built to recognised standards.

6. Customisation and compliance – how far can you go?

A common misconception is: “If I customise my cage, it won’t be legal.”

In reality, customisation is often allowed as long as:

  • The main structure follows the regulation diagrams.
  • Tube sizes, materials and joint details remain compliant.
  • Additional tubes are added in a way that does not weaken the structure or break specific rules.

At MRC, we:

  • Discuss your intended use (track day, race, rally, sprint, etc.).
  • Ensure your requested features fit within the relevant regulations.
  • Advise if a requested change would conflict with the rulebook and suggest an alternative.

7. When might you specifically need a homologated cage?

You may need a homologated cage if:

  • Your championship or series regulations explicitly require a cage with a homologation number or label.
  • You are competing in a manufacturer-backed or tightly controlled one-make series.
  • The ASN or organiser has issued a bulletin or regulation stating that only homologated cages are permitted for that category.

If you are unsure:

  • Check your series regulations.
  • Speak to the championship coordinator or scrutineer.
  • Contact us with the rulebook and we can help interpret it with you.

8. Summary – what you get with an MRC roll cage

  • A design based on the appropriate motorsport regulations.
  • High-quality materials and fabrication, suitable for real competition use.
  • The ability to customise within the rules.
  • A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformity as written proof of compliance.
  • Support and advice if you need to discuss requirements with a scrutineer or organiser.