New Q-Mark certification schemes brought forward by Element

The new and revised schemes are designed to help manufacturers and systems houses provide third party certified door sets that are classified to the EN 13501-2 European classification standard.

The UK Government’s announcement on 2 September last year stated that the National Classes fire testing standards would be withdrawn from Approved Document B (England) on 2 September 2029 in favour of the EN 13501 European classification series. This means that products such as fire resisting door sets will be expected to be classified to EN 13501-2 for fire resistance – and, where applicable, smoke control – by that designated date.

In response to this announcement, Element Materials Technology’s three new Q-Mark schemes for door set manufacturers (covering timber, metal and composite materials), and the revised scheme for systems houses, will afford companies a clear pathway to certification based on the EN classification framework. Element Material Technology’s new schemes were launched on 7 October.

Competitive advantage

The early introduction of new schemes, alongside the existing schemes, enables manufacturers to continue to supply door sets designed to meet current market regulatory requirements, while in parallel providing a route to EN classified door sets in time for the updated requirements. This affords Q-Mark certified companies a competitive advantage.

Above all, Q-Mark Certification provides reassurance that products are designed to meet the highest standards and regulatory requirements via a robust and trusted pathway that demonstrates ongoing compliance.

Setting itself apart from first party certification, Q-Mark delivers continuous assessment through Factory Production Control audits and periodic audit testing, enabling companies to demonstrate consistent quality and a long-term commitment to safety and performance. This is backed by the technical expertise of BM TRADA and Warringtonfire, which are both UKAS accredited.

Long-term commitment

Victoria Brennan, general manager for certification and technical at Element Materials Technology, said: “Organisations don’t just need to meet standards once. They need to show that they’re committed to maintaining them. This is where the Q-Mark excels.”

Brennan continued: “While the move from BS to EN standards marks one of the most significant regulatory updates for the construction industry in recent years, Q-Mark certification now provides a solution that considers both national and European classification applications, thereby helping the whole supply chain to be diligent, compliant and competitive.”

In addition, Brennan commented: “At Element Materials Technology, our priority is to lead the industry through this transition. We’re doing this by maintaining our trusted certification schemes, offering expert technical guidance and working closely with stakeholders to interpret and respond to evolving regulations.”

Further, Brennan noted: “While the future of BS 476 outside England remains uncertain, we expect current schemes to remain valid unless regulatory updates are introduced. We’re committed to evolving our services in response to these changes – both in England and internationally – so that our clients can continue bringing their products to their chosen markets with confidence.”

Fire door guidance

Although the revised regulatory guidance relevant to fire doors in England doesn’t take effect until 2029, Element Materials Technology is encouraging early adoption to avoid disruptions to manufacturing processes and supply chains.

In order to proactively support the industry in this transition, Element Materials Technology is hosting an open webinar to explain the recent regulatory changes and the EN classification system. The webinar will be hosted by technical policy manager Peter Barker on 23 October. This session is going to explain how the EN classification system can be used within third party certification schemes to provide added assurance of product performance for door sets. More information (and registration details for the session) is available online.

*Additional information on the Q-Mark certification is available at www.bmtrada.com/certification-services/third-party-certification-fire/q-mark-fire-door-manufacture-scheme