Fire door manufacturers urged to prepare for EN classification transition

The Q-Mark Fire Door Processing Scheme has been launched ahead of the withdrawal of the national classification system (ie BS 476) from Approved Document B in September 2029. This change will reshape how fire-resisting and smoke control door assemblies and door sets are evidenced and classified for demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations in England.

With EN classification becoming the primary performance classification in Approved Document B, manufacturers need to be able to demonstrate fire resistance and smoke control performance alongside details of how construction products such as doors have been processed, evidenced and traced through the supply chain.

Developed as part of BM TRADA’s existing EN 13501-2 Q-Mark framework, the Fire Door Processing Scheme allows fabricators to work alongside established Q-Mark certified systems houses and door set manufacturers.

Capacity crunch

Victoria Brennan, general manager for certification and technical at Element Materials Technology, said: “While the deadline seems far away, manufacturers should act now to avoid a capacity crunch later on and ensure that their products can meet third party assurance, while also maintaining market access.”

Brennan continued: “With a greater regulatory focus on traceability and the oversight of products, working towards alignment with the EN classification standards as soon as possible becomes a market differentiator for manufacturers. This information enables the supply chain to realise safe and competent decision-making.”

Further, Brennan noted: “Our Fire Door Processing Scheme provides a clear and independently certified route to market for processed fire door elements, including door leaves, frames and part assemblies within door sets.”

The Q-Mark scheme will provide additional assurance for customers. Certified elements will incorporate QR code traceability and unique identification markings. In turn, this will enable clearer records of product information, supporting evidence and transparency throughout the supply chain.

Investment in testing capability

The launch of the new service is the latest example of Element’s continued investment in fire testing infrastructure. This includes the world-class £30 million Birchwood Park fire testing facility. The latter opened in January last year and was developed to support increasing demand for fire and smoke testing. The impressive facility includes a unique one-rig solution which combines both tests.

BM TRADA works with over two-thirds of the leading systems houses in the UK and supports manufacturers across the wider fire door sector, backed by an in-house team of expert product assessors specialising in fire resistance, smoke control and certification pathways.

*Further information on the Q-Mark Fire Door Processing Scheme is available by accessing the BM TRADA website