The BS-to-EN Transition in Fire Door Standards – Why Accreditation Matters Now More Than Ever
The UK fire door industry is entering a period of significant change. Long-standing BS 476 testing methods are being phased out in favour of EN 1634-1 and EN 13501-2 — European standards that are more comprehensive, internationally recognised, and aligned with performance-based safety requirements.
While this transition is primarily a technical shift, it carries a much wider implication: the critical importance of sourcing fire doors from third-party accredited manufacturers who can demonstrate compliance, quality, and traceability.
Understanding the Standards
EN 1634-1 – The Test Method
EN 1634-1 is the fire resistance test for door assemblies. Unlike older BS tests, it requires the entire door system — including leaf, frame, intumescent seals, glazing, and hardware — to be tested as a complete unit under furnace conditions.
It measures:
Integrity (E): The time before flames or smoke pass through
Insulation (I): The time before the unexposed surface reaches a critical temperature
EN 13501-2 – The Classification Standard
Once the EN 1634-1 test is complete, EN 13501-2 provides the framework for expressing results in a clear, consistent way.
For example:
EI 60 = integrity and insulation for 60 minutes
E 120 = integrity for 120 minutes
In short:
EN 1634-1 tells you how to test
EN 13501-2 tells you how to state the result
The BS-to-EN Transition – Key Dates
March 2025 – First step: BS 476 references begin to be removed from Building Regulations for certain applications.
September 2029 – Final step: BS 476, including BS 476-22 for fire doors, will no longer be recognised. All testing and classification must be to EN 1634-1 and EN 13501-2.
This change will require new or replacement fire doors to meet EN standards exclusively, with a stronger emphasis on whole-system performance.
Why Third-Party Accreditation Is Essential
Accredited Manufacturers
Manufacturers operating under schemes such as BM TRADA Q-Mark, FIRAS, or IFC are subject to:
Initial type testing to EN 1634-1, with classification to EN 13501-2
Regular independent audits to ensure ongoing compliance
Production consistency checks to confirm doors match the tested specification
Up-to-date technical oversight, ensuring they stay ahead of regulatory changes
Uncertified Manufacturers
By contrast, suppliers without third-party certification:
May have no knowledge of the EN transition or upcoming deadlines
May be supplying products that have never been tested to any recognised standard
Have no audit trail, meaning there is no evidence of compliance if challenged
Cannot demonstrate traceability from manufacture to installation
The Compliance and Safety Risks
Using uncertified fire doors presents serious risks:
Non-compliant products may fail in real fire conditions, potentially within minutes
Building control approval may be refused due to lack of recognised certification
Insurance claims could be invalidated if an uncertified door is implicated in a loss
There may be legal consequences in the event of injury or death caused by failure
Conclusion
The move from BS 476 to EN 1634-1 and EN 13501-2 represents a fundamental shift in how the UK assesses and classifies fire door performance. This transition is not optional — it is a regulatory requirement with a clear deadline.
Choosing a third-party accredited manufacturer like Kent Flush Doors ensures your fire doors are tested, certified, and continually audited to meet the latest standards, keeping your projects compliant and your occupants safe.
In fire safety, there is no margin for uncertainty. Accreditation is not just best practice — it’s essential.