Mandatory Vehicle First-Aid Kit: What Changes Under the New Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette 1804/B/1-4-2026)

What the new legislation provides

The decision makes it mandatory for all motor vehicles (except motorcycles) circulating within Greek territory to be equipped with a first-aid kit that meets specific technical requirements.

The kit must:

• Comply with the European standard DIN 13164:2022 or an equivalent ISO standard
• Bear the CE marking
• Be suitable for immediate use in the event of an accident or emergency

The regulation will take effect three months after its official publication, replacing the previous framework dating back to 1978.

The Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette 1804/B/1-4-2026), which requires vehicles to be equipped with a new-type first-aid kit in accordance with the European standard DIN 13164:2022, will come into force on 1 July 2026.

From that date onward, compliance will be mandatory for all drivers, while in the case of non-compliance, an administrative fine of 30€ is imposed.

What the new standard means in practice

The substantial change does not only concern what the vehicle’s first-aid kit must include, but also the specifications of its contents. The new standard does not rely on general categories such as “bandages” or “gauze,” but instead precisely defines dimensions, quantities, and technical specifications. For example, the thermal blanket must meet specific characteristics, compresses must have defined sizes, and bandages must cover different types of injuries.

At the same time, it introduces items that have often been missing from most kits until now. The inclusion of medical masks, clear first-aid instructions, and more comprehensive cleaning supplies reflects a more modern and practical approach, tailored to the real needs that may arise in a traffic accident or other emergency.

First-Aid Kit Mandatory Contents

The new standard precisely defines the materials that must be included in the kit. Indicatively, the first-aid kit must contain:

The contents are standardised and mandatory, with no possibility for arbitrary modifications or omissions.

Important Specifications and Obligations

The regulation not only covers the kit’s contents, but also sets out specific requirements.

Expiry checks

Sterile materials have an expiration date (usually up to 5 years).

The owner or driver is responsible for:

• Regularly checking the first-aid kit
• Immediately replacing any expired items

Appropriate packaging

The kit must be:

• Resistant to dust, moisture, and oils
• Suitable for vehicle conditions

Placement

The first-aid kit must:

• Be kept in an easily accessible spot
• Not to be locked away
• Be used exclusively for medical supplies

Maintenance and renewal

• Supplies must be replenished after each use
• More frequent renewal is recommended, especially during the summer months
• In any case, sensitive materials should not exceed two years of use

Why is this change important?

The update of the regulatory framework:

• Aligns Greece with modern European standards
• Ensures better preparation in the event of an accident
• Encourages drivers’ individual responsibility for safety

A properly equipped first-aid kit can prove critical in the first minutes of an incident, when immediate response makes all the difference.

What you need to do as a driver

To ensure full compliance:

• Check whether your first-aid kit complies with the DIN 13164:2022 standard
• Replace any missing or expired items
• Keep it in an easily accessible location inside the vehicle

Compliance is not just a legal obligation, it is a matter of safety for both you and those around you.

You can purchase a compliant kit either from our physical store or online: First Aid Kit DIN13164.

Where can you get the first-aid kit and its supplies

Adapting to the new standard can be done easily, either by purchasing a complete car first-aid kit or by gradually replacing individual items.

At the Medi-Shop.gr online store by Hamed, you will find both fully equipped first-aid kits and all necessary consumables.

Complete car first-aid kit (ready-made solution)

The easiest and most immediate option is a fully equipped car first-aid kit, which fully meets the requirements of the legislation.

View the complete kit on Medi-Shop.gr: First-aid kit according to DIN 13164 standard

This is ideal for those who want a ready-made solution without any additional steps.

First-aid kit (basic equipment base)

Alternatively, you can start with a basic first-aid kit, which includes a large part of the necessary consumables.

View the kit here: First-aid supplies

In general, first-aid sets provide a practical foundation and are suitable for completing a vehicle first-aid kit.

No first-aid kit or set can be considered fully compliant unless it explicitly states that it meets the DIN 13164:2022 standard.

Individual consumables (replacement & replenishment)

At Medi-Shop.gr you will also find a wide range of essential supplies, allowing you to easily complete or upgrade your first aid kit.

Among the basic items available are wound dressings (gauze compresses) measuring 10 x 10 cm for covering and protecting injuries, a triangular sling bandage for supporting limbs in case of injury, skin cleansing wet wipes for proper hygiene before applying a dressing, and a practical first aid kit bag for the safe and organized storage of all consumables.

All of the above are available not only through Medi-Shop.gr, but also at our physical stores in Heraklion, Crete, located at Knossou Avenue 324 and Viannou Street 3.

This way, you can either choose a complete solution or customize your first aid kit according to the requirements of the new legislation, with flexibility and lower cost.

When a properly equipped first-aid kit can save lives

Proper preparation is not just a matter of legal compliance, but a key element of road safety. A complete and up-to-date car first-aid kit can prove crucial at the moment it is needed.

Make sure it is always ready for use, because in critical situations, immediate response makes all the difference.