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As of March 2025, the UK’s national BS 476 fire safety standard, a cornerstone of fire door certification, will be fully replaced by the European EN 13501 standard. This transition represents a significant shift in how fire safety compliance is managed industry-wide. Below is a breakdown of what this change entails and its implications for fire safety testing and certification.
Table of Contents
· Transition Timeline and Certification Changes
· New Testing Standards and Compliance Requirements
· Role of Third-Party Certification: Certifire, Q-Mark, and Others
· Industry Impact and Preparation
· Looking Ahead
· Contact Us
Transition Timeline and Certification Changes
The withdrawal of BS 476 will commence in March 2025, with full enforcement by September 2029. After this date, fire doors must be certified solely under EN 13501. This change means that all previous BS 476 test evidence will no longer be valid under Approved Document B, the UK’s statutory fire safety guide. Manufacturers will need to obtain new testing evidence specific to the European method, including extended application (EXAP) procedures for each type of fire door.
New Testing Standards and Compliance Requirements
Under EN 13501, fire doors will be required to undergo testing according to the rigorous EN 1634-1 standard, which differs significantly from BS 476. The introduction of EXAPs mandates that fire door classifications apply only within stringent, pre-specified conditions. This specificity is designed to ensure a high standard of safety, but it necessitates substantial re-certification efforts, as older BS 476 assessments will no longer be acceptable.
Role of Third-Party Certification: Certifire, Q-Mark, and Others
While EN 13501 does not mandate third-party certification schemes like Certifire and Q-Mark, these schemes are highly respected within the industry. They provide an additional layer of safety assurance by verifying that fire doors meet rigorous, quality-assured safety benchmarks. Although not required by Approved Document B, these certifications are often sought after by specifiers and building owners who value the extra security they offer alongside EN 13501 compliance.
Third-party certification schemes typically include ongoing product surveillance, traceability, and testing under specific operational conditions, enhancing overall accountability. However, for compliance with Approved Document B, only direct test evidence of compliance with EN 13501 standards through EN 1634-1 testing is necessary, allowing manufacturers to streamline their certification processes.
Industry Impact and Preparation
Transitioning to EN 13501 presents significant logistical and financial challenges for manufacturers, who will need to re-test their products under the new standards. Companies previously certified under BS 476 will have to adjust operations considerably, with increased costs and potential re-engineering required to meet EN standards. These challenges are particularly pertinent for those utilizing third-party certifications like Certifire or Q-Mark, as compliance requirements under EN 13501 may change how certifications are achieved and maintained.
Looking Ahead
The shift to EN 13501 aligns the UK’s fire door certification process with broader European standards, providing a consistent and more rigorous approach to fire safety. For many in the industry, achieving compliance with EN 13501, alongside third-party certification, will be crucial for ensuring high standards of fire protection and adherence to building regulations.
Contact Us
Consultation hotline of Nanjing SMART Company: +86 25-8658 3475 +86 25 8658 3465
Website: www.fire-test.com www.firete.com
Email: info@fire-test.com
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