Should we now be insisting on fire doors tested to European (EN) standards?
With changes to Approved Document B due to come into effect in September 2029, we’ve spoken to a number of contractors, architects and developers who are asking the same question.
The short answer is not yet.
Products supported by BS 476 fire test evidence remain a recognised route to demonstrating compliance with Approved Document B. There is currently no regulatory requirement to specify EN-classified fire doorsets simply because of the forthcoming changes in 2029.
At the time of writing, neither BM TRADA nor BWF Certifire operates a third-party certification scheme for timber fire doorsets classified solely using the EN route. As recognised independent certification remains a key part of demonstrating product consistency and giving confidence to specifiers, we believe it is sensible to continue specifying products supported by established certification schemes during the transition period.
What is changing?
From 2 September 2029, Approved Document B will remove references to the BS 476 fire resistance classification system in favour of the European testing and classification route.
This has led some to assume that BS-tested fire doors are already becoming outdated. They are not.
The Government introduced a five-year transition period specifically to give the construction industry time to prepare. During this period, products supported by appropriate BS fire test evidence continue to satisfy the current regulatory requirements.
What does this mean for clients, contractors, architects and developers?
If you’re specifying or purchasing fire doorsets today, there is no regulatory requirement to insist on EN-tested products simply because of the forthcoming changes.
Products supported by appropriate BS fire test evidence remain a recognised route to demonstrating compliance under the current Building Regulations.
For many projects, continuing to specify products supported by robust fire test evidence, recognised third-party certification and comprehensive technical documentation remains an entirely appropriate approach.
Avoid unnecessary specification changes
Changing specifications simply because regulations will change several years from now can introduce unnecessary cost, complexity, procurement challenges and programme delays.
Where a product has established performance, recognised third-party certification and robust supporting evidence, there is generally no requirement to replace it before the regulations change.
Instead, clients should focus on selecting products that are:
- Supported by appropriate fire test evidence.
- Independently third-party certified where applicable.
- Correctly installed by competent personnel.
- Suitable for the intended application.
- Backed by clear technical documentation and ongoing manufacturer support.
During the transition period, these factors are likely to have a far greater impact on successful compliance than whether the underlying fire test evidence follows the BS or EN route.
Looking ahead
The industry will inevitably move towards EN testing over time, and manufacturers will continue developing their product portfolios accordingly.
However, that doesn’t mean clients need to alter today’s specifications unnecessarily.
A sensible approach is to begin discussing manufacturers’ transition plans now while continuing to specify products that are fully supported by recognised fire test evidence and independent third-party certification.
The key message
Until September 2029, products supported by appropriate BS 476 fire test evidence remain a recognised route to demonstrating compliance under Approved Document B.
The transition to EN classifications is an important step for the industry, but today’s priority should remain selecting fire doorsets that are appropriately tested, independently certified, correctly installed and fully supported by competent manufacturers.
Next Steps
If you’re unsure which fire door solution is most appropriate for your project – or would like to understand how the 2029 changes may affect future specifications – our technical team will be happy to help.