What is DIN 13164 and what does it require in a first aid kit?

DIN 13164 is the German/European standard for first aid kits in motor vehicles, widely adopted across the EU and GCC markets as the de facto standard for vehicle and workplace first aid kits. It specifies the minimum required contents including: 1 instruction card, 2 pairs of disposable gloves, 1 mouth-to-mouth resuscitation aid, 1 first aid dressing large (trauma pad), 4 wound dressings (sterile), 2 sterile eye pads, 4 bandages (5cm and 8cm widths), 1 triangular bandage, 2 conforming bandages, safety pins, 1 emergency blanket, 1 wound closure strips, and adhesive plasters. DIN 13164 is required for vehicle first aid kits sold in Germany and is widely referenced in European and GCC procurement tenders for workplace and vehicle compliance.

What is the difference between ANSI Z308.1 Class A and Class B first aid kits?

ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 defines two content classifications. Class A kits provide a basic range of supplies for common workplace injuries in low-risk environments — including adhesive bandages, antiseptic, burn dressing, cold pack, eye covering, roller bandage, sterile pads, trauma pad, and triangular bandage. Class B kits include all Class A items in greater quantities plus two additional items: a splint and a tourniquet, reflecting higher-risk environments where serious injuries are more probable. The container type (I through IV) is separate from the content class — a Class B kit can be in any container type. For GCC and European markets, DIN 13164 or EN 13157 are the applicable standards rather than ANSI Z308.1.

Which first aid kit standard applies to GCC and Saudi Arabia workplaces?

GCC and Saudi Arabia workplace first aid kit requirements reference European standards rather than US standards. DIN 13164 is the most widely specified standard for vehicle first aid kits in GCC institutional tenders. For workplace first aid kits (non-vehicle), DIN 13157 (small workplace) and DIN 13169 (large workplace) are commonly referenced. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Labour and SFDA may have additional specific requirements for certain industry sectors. CE marking under EU MDR is required for kit components classified as medical devices. Arabic labeling is required for all medical device components sold in Saudi Arabia.

What quality standards should the components inside a first aid kit meet?

First aid kit contents are individual medical devices that must each comply with relevant standards independently. Wound dressings and gauze swabs should comply with EN 14079 (woven gauze) or EN 13726 (wound dressings) and carry CE marking. Elastic bandages should comply with relevant textile standards. Sterile components must be individually sterilized with SAL 10⁻⁶ and carry expiry dates. Disposable gloves should comply with EN 455 (medical examination gloves). Emergency blankets must meet minimum thermal performance. CPR face shields must comply with EN 13274. The entire kit must carry CE marking as a system — but individual component compliance must also be verified separately.

How do I verify that a first aid kit supplier is genuinely DIN 13164 compliant?

To verify DIN 13164 compliance: (1) Request the DIN 13164 conformity test report from an accredited testing laboratory — not just a label claim. (2) Check that all required items are present in the correct quantities and minimum sizes as specified by DIN 13164. (3) Verify CE marking on the kit and on sterile individual components. (4) Request batch Certificates of Analysis for sterile components (wound dressings, eye pads) confirming sterilization and expiry dates. (5) Confirm ISO 13485 certification of the kit manufacturer with scope covering first aid kit assembly. (6) For GCC supply, verify SFDA registration number or confirm supplier can support registration.

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13/4 2026

First Aid Kit Contents Requirements: DIN 13164 vs ANSI Z308.1 Complete Guide 2026

First Aid Kit · Contents Specification Guide

First Aid Kit Contents
Requirements: DIN 13164
vs ANSI Z308.1 Guide 2026

Most first aid kit procurement specs simply say "DIN 13164 compliant" or "ANSI Z308.1 Class A" — but what does that actually require inside the kit? This guide covers the mandatory contents of both standards item-by-item, the component quality specifications each item must meet, how to verify supplier compliance, and GCC-specific requirements for Saudi Arabia and UAE supply.

DIN 13164 contents list ANSI Z308.1 Class A & B Standard comparison Component quality specs GCC requirements Supplier verification

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Content Auditor & Content Operations · Kingphar Medical

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GCC primary standard

DIN 13164

European/German vehicle first aid kit standard — most commonly referenced in GCC and European institutional tenders

US primary standard

ANSI Z308.1

ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 — Class A (basic) and Class B (high-risk) workplace kit requirements

Component regulation

EU MDR

Sterile kit components are individual Class I medical devices — CE marking required for EU and GCC supply

Maintenance cycle

Monthly

First aid kits should be inspected monthly and after every use — expired items must be replaced immediately

A first aid kit is not a single medical device — it is a system of individual components, each with its own regulatory classification, quality standard, and expiry date. This distinction matters enormously for procurement: a kit can carry a DIN 13164 CE certificate as a system while containing individual components that fail to meet the quality requirements the standard implies. Understanding what each standard actually mandates — item by item — is the foundation of effective first aid kit procurement.

This guide focuses on the two standards most relevant to our markets: DIN 13164 (European/GCC vehicle kits) and ANSI Z308.1-2021 (US workplace kits). For GCC-specific workplace regulatory requirements, see our dedicated GCC First Aid Kit Compliance Guide.

Section 01

Standards Overview: Which Standard Applies to Your Market

Standard	Scope	Primary markets	Mandatory or voluntary	Kit types covered
DIN 13164	First aid kits for motor vehicles	Germany, EU, GCC, many global markets	Mandatory for vehicles in Germany; widely required in GCC tenders	Vehicle kits — car, van, truck, bus
DIN 13157	First aid kits for small workplaces	Germany, EU, GCC	Referenced in German workplace safety regulations	Workplace kits — small facilities, offices
DIN 13169	First aid kits for large workplaces	Germany, EU, GCC	Referenced in German workplace safety regulations	Workplace kits — large facilities, factories
ANSI Z308.1-2021	Workplace first aid kits	US, Canada	Voluntary — but referenced by OSHA as compliance guidance	Workplace kits — Class A (basic) and Class B (high-risk)
BS 8599-1	Workplace first aid kits	UK	Referenced in UK Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations	Workplace kits — small, medium, large
EN 13157	First aid kits — general	Europe	Harmonized European standard	General workplace and facility kits

For GCC institutional procurement: DIN 13164 is the default

Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health, UAE Ministry of Health, and GCC workplace safety authorities consistently reference DIN 13164 in institutional tender specifications for vehicle and workplace first aid kits. ANSI Z308.1 compliance is not accepted as equivalent for GCC tenders — separate DIN 13164 test reports and CE marking are required. Always confirm which standard your specific tender references before specifying kit contents.

Section 02

DIN 13164: Complete Required Contents

DIN 13164 specifies the minimum contents for a motor vehicle first aid kit. The current version is DIN 13164:2014-09. Every item listed must be present at the specified quantity — a kit missing any single item is not DIN 13164 compliant, regardless of what the label says.

Item	Quantity	Minimum specification	Component quality standard
Instruction leaflet (first aid guide)	1	Printed, language of market	DIN 13164 content requirements
Disposable examination gloves	2 pairs	Powder-free, nitrile or equivalent	EN 455 (medical examination gloves)
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation aid	1	CPR face shield with one-way valve	EN 13274 or equivalent
Emergency rescue blanket (foil)	1	Minimum 160×210 cm, reflective both sides	Thermal performance to retain body heat
Large wound dressing / trauma pad	1	Sterile, minimum 60×80 mm absorbent pad area	CE marking, sterile (EO or gamma)
Wound dressing medium (DIN 13151-G)	2	Sterile gauze pad + bandage, medium size	EN 14079 gauze, CE marking, sterile
Wound dressing large (DIN 13151-M)	2	Sterile gauze pad + bandage, large size	EN 14079 gauze, CE marking, sterile
Sterile eye pad	2	Sterile, individually packaged, oval	CE marking, sterile
Conforming bandage 4 cm × 4 m	2	Woven cotton or non-woven conforming	CE marking
Conforming bandage 6 cm × 4 m	2	Woven cotton or non-woven conforming	CE marking
Triangular bandage	1	Minimum 96×96×136 cm	CE marking; non-sterile acceptable
Wound closure strips	1 pack	Sterile adhesive closure strips	CE marking
Adhesive wound plasters (assorted)	1 pack	Assorted sizes, individually wrapped	CE marking
Safety pins	4	Rustproof	—
Scissors	1	Bandage scissors, rounded tip	—

DIN 13164 compliance is the kit as sold — maintenance is the buyer's responsibility

A kit marked "DIN 13164 compliant" meets the standard at the time of manufacture and sale. Once any item is used, expires, or is removed, the kit is no longer compliant until restocked with conforming items. Institutional buyers must establish a kit inspection and restocking protocol — typically monthly inspection with immediate replacement of used or expired items. The certification applies to the initial kit, not its ongoing state.

Section 03

ANSI Z308.1-2021: Class A vs Class B Contents

Item	Class A quantity	Class B quantity	Notes
Adhesive bandages (1×3 inch)	16	50	—
Adhesive tape (2.5 yd minimum)	1	2	—
Antibiotic application (1/57 oz each)	10	25	Single-use packets
Antiseptic application (1/57 oz each)	10	50	Single-use packets or wipes
Breathing barrier (CPR shield)	1	1	One-way valve required
Burn dressing (gel-soaked, 4×4 inch)	1	2	Sterile
Burn treatment (1/32 oz each)	10	25	Single-use packets
Cold pack (4×5 inch)	1	2	Instant cold pack
Eye covering with attachment means (2.9 sq inch)	2	2	Sterile
First aid guide	1	1	—
Hand sanitizer (0.5 fl oz minimum)	1	2	Added in 2021 revision
Medical exam gloves (pair)	2	4	Latex-free acceptable
Eye/skin wash (4 fl oz minimum)	1	1	—
Roller bandage 2 inch × 4 yard	1	2	—
Roller bandage 4 inch × 4 yard	0	1	Class B only
Scissors (4 inch minimum)	1	1	—
Sterile pad (3×3 inch)	2	4	Sterile
Trauma pad (5×9 inch)	1	2	Sterile
Triangular bandage (40×40×56 inch)	1	2	—
Splint	Not required	1	Class B only — added in 2021
Tourniquet	Not required	1	Class B only — added in 2021

Section 04

DIN 13164 vs ANSI Z308.1: Key Differences

Parameter	DIN 13164	ANSI Z308.1 Class A	Implication for procurement
Primary use case	Motor vehicle	Workplace (all types)	DIN 13164 for vehicle tenders; ANSI for US workplace
Wound dressings	Pre-assembled DIN 13151 wound dressings with integrated bandage	Separate sterile pads + roller bandage	DIN 13151 wound dressings are a specific product format not equivalent to ANSI sterile pads
Eye irrigation	Not specifically required (eye pads included)	Eye/skin wash (4 fl oz) required	ANSI kits include eye wash; DIN 13164 does not mandate it
Antibiotic/antiseptic	Not required	Both required (10 applications each, Class A)	Significant content difference — ANSI kits include pharmaceutical-type items
Cold pack	Not required	1 required (Class A)	ANSI kits include instant cold packs; DIN does not mandate
Emergency blanket	Required (1 foil blanket)	Not required	DIN vehicle kits include emergency blanket; ANSI workplace kits do not
Tourniquet / splint	Not required in DIN 13164	Class B only	Neither standard requires tourniquet for basic kits
CE marking requirement	Yes — kit and sterile components	No CE requirement (US framework)	CE marking required for GCC supply; ANSI kits for US do not require CE
Acceptance in GCC tenders	Yes — standard reference	Not accepted as equivalent	GCC buyers must specify DIN 13164 — ANSI compliance is not interchangeable

Section 05

Component Quality Specifications: What Each Item Should Meet

A DIN 13164 or ANSI Z308.1 compliant kit specifies which items must be present — but not always the quality standard each item must individually meet. The following are the relevant quality standards for key first aid kit components:

Component quality standards — key items

Wound dressings / sterile padsCE marking (Class I medical device) · Sterile (EO or gamma, SAL 10⁻⁶) · EN 14079 for woven gauze component

Conforming / roller bandagesCE marking · Non-sterile acceptable for most applications · Confirm extensibility for conforming type

Triangular bandageCE marking · Minimum dimensions per DIN 13164 (96×96×136 cm) · Non-woven or woven

Disposable examination glovesEN 455-1/2/3/4 (medical exam gloves) · Powder-free · Nitrile or latex — specify latex-free for GCC

Eye padsCE marking · Sterile · Oval shape · Individually wrapped in sterile peel-open pack

CPR face shield / breathing barrierOne-way valve confirmed · CE marking · Single-use

Emergency foil blanketMinimum 160×210 cm · Reflective both sides · Heat retention validation

Adhesive plasters / wound closure stripsCE marking · Latex-free adhesive where possible · Sterile individually wrapped

ScissorsBandage scissors with rounded tip · Minimum 14 cm length for ANSI; DIN specifies adequate for bandage cutting

Kit containerCE marking on container system · Impact and moisture resistance per ANSI Type I–IV classification · Resealable

Sterile items and expiry date management

All sterile components in a first aid kit (wound dressings, eye pads, wound closure strips) carry individual expiry dates. The kit's compliance status depends on all sterile items being within their expiry date. For institutional procurement with large kit quantities, confirm that the supplier's manufacturing-to-shipment cycle provides adequate remaining shelf life — minimum 24 months remaining at delivery is a reasonable specification. First aid kits stored in vehicles in hot climates (GCC summer temperatures can exceed 60°C in parked vehicles) experience accelerated shelf life degradation — request validation data for high-temperature storage if relevant.

Section 06

GCC and Saudi Arabia: Additional Requirements

For first aid kits supplied to GCC institutional buyers, several additional requirements apply beyond the base DIN 13164 standard:

CE marking on the complete kit system — the kit as a complete product must carry CE marking under EU MDR 2017/745, in addition to CE marking on individual medical device components
SFDA registration — first aid kits are classified as medical devices in Saudi Arabia. Kits containing sterile components typically require SFDA registration before institutional supply. See our SFDA Registration Guide for the process
Arabic labeling on kit and components — all medical device labeling must include Arabic text for Saudi Arabia supply, covering product name, manufacturer details, lot number, expiry dates, and storage conditions
ISO 13485 certification of kit manufacturer — scope must cover first aid kit assembly and the medical device components manufactured in-house
High-temperature storage validation — for vehicle kits deployed in GCC climates, request validation data confirming component performance after storage at elevated temperatures

For a comprehensive guide to GCC workplace first aid compliance including employee ratios, placement requirements, and OSHA-equivalent Saudi regulations, see our GCC First Aid Kit Requirements Guide.

Section 07

Supplier Verification Checklist

Request DIN 13164 test report from accredited laboratory — not just a label claim — a kit labeled "DIN 13164" without a third-party test report cannot be independently verified. Request the complete test report showing each required item was present at the correct quantity and specification at time of testing
Physically verify kit contents against the standard checklist — open a sample kit and count every item against the DIN 13164 or ANSI Z308.1 contents list. Verify dimensions and quantities match the minimum requirements. This is the most reliable compliance check and takes less than 10 minutes
Check sterile component expiry dates and remaining shelf life — all sterile items must have at minimum 24 months remaining shelf life at delivery. Check that sterilization method (EO or gamma) is marked on each sterile item's packaging
Verify CE marking on the kit system and on individual medical device components — the kit container system should carry CE marking, and sterile wound dressings, eye pads, and other medical device components should each carry CE marking individually
Confirm ISO 13485 certification covers kit assembly — request the ISO 13485 certificate and check the scope explicitly includes first aid kit assembly or medical kit manufacturing
For GCC supply — confirm SFDA registration and Arabic labeling capability — verify the supplier has or can support SFDA registration through a licensed Saudi authorized representative, and can produce Arabic-labeled kit packaging and component labeling
Confirm gloves are latex-free for institutional supply — most GCC and European hospital procurement policies require latex-free examination gloves in all first aid kits. Confirm nitrile or equivalent non-latex gloves with written confirmation
Establish a kit inspection and restocking protocol — agree with your supplier on restocking kit format (individual component replacement vs full kit replacement) and confirm minimum order quantities for restocking components to avoid compliance gaps between full kit replacements

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