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On the 26th of February 2025, the government issued a detailed response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report. This response highlighted the acceptance of 49 out of the 58 recommendations made in the report, indicating a strong commitment to reform. The recommendations cover a wide range of issues, including important changes in construction, building, and fire safety. Let’s explore how these changes might impact the testing and certification industry. Significant Deficiencies in Testing & Certification The Inquiry’s report underscores severe deficiencies in the testing and certification of construction products, especially combustible cladding materials. It criticizes the lack of rigorous testing and the failure to identify critical issues stemming from poor testing practices. The government’s response includes several crucial plans: Enhanced Testing Protocols: Laboratories will be required to adopt stricter testing methods that more accurately assess product safety. Increased Accountability: Greater scrutiny will be introduced in testing processes, with potential civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance or misleading information. Regular Audits and Oversight: More frequent inspections of test laboratories will take place to ensure that they adhere to updated safety standards. Full Transparency: Ensuring that the test history of products is accessible, honest, and well-documented. In support of these actions, the government plans to establish a new single construction regulator. The aim of this regulator is to improve standards in the industry. It will ensure that those responsible, including testing laboratories, are held to the highest standards. Although the regulator will oversee construction products, building control, and contractor licensing for higher-risk buildings, the testing and certification will remain the responsibility of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). Being a Part of the Solution United Kingdom Testing & Certification (UKTC) was established as a direct response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The need for improved testing and certification options for construction products in the UK has never been more pressing. Our dedicated team, operating from our UKAS accredited testing laboratory, is committed to enhancing life safety. We accomplish this by offering industry-leading testing solutions for passive fire product manufacturers. Our rigorous approach toward testing, along with our quick report turnaround times, has fostered trust among many of the UK’s leading passive fire product manufacturers who rely on UKTC for their testing programs. Andrew Hutchison, Head of Technical at UKTC, shared insights, stating, “While testing and certification bodies like UKTC play a vital role in assessing product performance, our influence is limited to testing and certification. Holding CABs responsible beyond this remit is inaccurate and risks undermining public trust.” He further emphasized, “Rather than assigning blame, we urge the government to integrate the insights of CABs into the regulatory framework to strengthen oversight and safety standards.” UKTC is committed to working side-by-side with regulators, manufacturers, and industry bodies. Together, we can ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. Construction Product's Green Paper Included in Phase 1 of the government’s revised plans is the Construction Products Reform Green Paper, which opens a 12-week consultation period. The government describes this paper as “the first important step in ensuring that we deliver a comprehensive package of measures to reform the construction products sector.” This Green Paper aims to address key failures highlighted in the Inquiry’s report, including poor testing practices. We strongly encourage individuals and organizations to respond to the Green Paper by completing the online survey form available here . The deadline for responses is the 21st of May. A Call to Action Listening to the voices within our community is crucial. The insights derived from industry stakeholders can guide us toward safer building practices. Now is the time to act. We invite all stakeholders in the construction and testing community to contribute to this vital discussion. Your input can make a significant difference. If you want to discuss how the recommendations could impact your testing plans, talk to us today by clicking here . Together, we can contribute to a safer future.

United Kingdom Testing & Certification is celebrating another record year. The East Kilbride based laboratory has seen its headcount double as well as a record number of tests and two award nominations. From its UKAS accredited testing laboratory, UKTC have delivered more than 450 fire resistance tests whilst maintaining an industry-leading 4-week turnaround time for final reports for clients across the UK. The testing and certification business is now looking forward to the new year with plans already underway to increase its capacity for both Fire Resistance and Reaction to Fire testing. United Kingdom Testing & Certification is a leading UKAS accredited testing laboratory offering fire resistance, reaction to fire and certification services for passive fire product manufacturers across the UK.

Over the last few weeks, representatives of UKTC’s technical and laboratory teams engaged in workshops hosted by Knauf UK & Ireland at their manufacturing facility. The sessions were delivered by Graeme Carmichael, Technical Training Lead at Knauf, and included insights into the manufacturing and quality processes that are at the core of Knauf’s systems. Insights from the Workshop Graeme shared via LinkedIn: “I delivered a technical workshop for our partners at United Kingdom Testing and Certification, focusing on why we test so rigorously and how our expectations and high standards shape the products and systems we put into the market. It was a great session with an engaged group who asked the right questions and were eager to learn.” Commitment to Excellence “The team I worked with are a real credit to UKTC – hardworking, committed, and keen to push their own knowledge forward. It’s always rewarding to work with people who share that same drive for improvement, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they put their learning into practice.” Strengthening Collaboration Daniel Fitzsimmons, Head of Testing at UKTC, discussed the collaboration with Knauf UK & Ireland: “Our team found the sessions extremely engaging and enjoyable. These workshops further strengthen our knowledge and skill set to ensure that we can provide an efficient and best-in-class testing experience for Knauf and passive fire product manufacturers across the UK.” The Importance of Fire Testing UKTC is the trusted provider of fire testing and certification services for construction and passive fire product manufacturers across the UK. We test, inspect, and certify to ensure products are safe, high-quality, and compliant. Fire safety is paramount in construction. It is essential to ensure that all materials meet rigorous standards. This not only protects lives but also ensures compliance with legal regulations. Why Choose UKTC? At UKTC, we pride ourselves on our expertise and dedication. Our team is committed to delivering the highest standards in testing and certification. We understand the complexities of fire safety and strive to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to our clients' needs. Contact us about your fire testing and certification requirements or to find out more about our services. Future Workshops We are excited about the future of our workshops. They provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. We aim to continue enhancing our partnerships with industry leaders like Knauf. Conclusion In conclusion, the recent workshops with Knauf UK & Ireland have been a significant step forward for UKTC. They have reinforced our commitment to excellence in fire testing and certification. We look forward to implementing the insights gained and continuing to improve our services. With ongoing collaboration and a focus on quality, we are confident that we can meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. Together, we can ensure a safer future for all.

Expand your scope with UKTC's EXAP reports. We predict performance based on test results, achieving broader application while maintaining or improving performance. EXAP - Extended Field of Application An extended field of application report is the prediction of performance based on one or more test results. It enables a wider scope of application to be achieved than what was initially tested, whilst maintaining or improving the performance. Extended Field of Application Report Standards United Kingdom Testing and Certification undertake EXAP reports for fire resistance and/ or smoke control for door, shutter and openable window assemblies under BS EN 15269-1. Standards BS EN 15269-2 - Fire resistance of hinged and pivoted steel doorsets. BS EN 15269-3 - Fire resistance of hinged and pivoted timber doorsets. BS EN 15269-5 - Fire resistance of hinged and pivoted metal framed glazed doorsets and openable windows. BS EN 15269-6 - Fire resistance of sliding timber doorsets. BS EN 15269-7 - Fire resistance of steel sliding doorsets. BS EN 15269-10 - Fire resistance of steel rolling shutter assemblies. BS EN 15269-11 - Fire resistance of operable fabric curtains. BS EN 15269-20 - Smoke control for doors, shutters, operable fabric curtains and openable windows. Why EXAPs are crucial for manufacturers Extended Field of Application (EXAP) Reports allow manufacturers of passive fire protection products to maximise the scope of their product. By using existing BS EN test evidence, manufacturers can minimise the need for further testing by using the extension rules set out within the EXAP standard. As the industry moves towards the 2nd of September 2029 removal of BS 476, EXAPs will be key to manufacturers transitioning from BS 476 fire resistance test evidence to BS EN evidence.

United Kingdom Testing and Certification - UKTC - offer market leading fire testing and certification services to demonstrate client’s building materials and components comply with all appropriate standards and building codes. Accredited by UKAS. FIRE TESTING & CERTIFICATION SERVICES FOR CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS & BUILDING MATERIALS We are United Kingdom Testing & Certification, a trusted provider of fire testing and certification services for construction and passive fire product manufacturers across the UK. We test, inspect and certify to ensure products are safe, quality and compliant. Testing Certification Technical INDUSTRY LEADING FIRE TESTING AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES. United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC) deliver market leading fire testing and certification services that enable manufacturers of building materials and products to demonstrate compliance with all appropriate international standards, regulatory obligations and customer expectations. Testing Services Button Technical Services Button Certification Services Button Our customer experiences The lab install team went above and beyond to get the sample ready for the test (nothing was too much trouble). Thanks to Barry & Thomas and all the team for their effort. Really is appreciated. Integrated Doorset Solutions Ltd. Always a pleasure to deal with the team at UKTC Hampton Doors Very insightful visit. Extremely good company to work with and always flexible to accommodate your requirements. Obex Protection Ltd. Great service and support from the team throughout. Merit Holdings Brilliant Team. Very family feel in the company. Intelligent Membranes Excellent test facility and all of the engineers were very knowledgeable and experienced. Very happy overall and we will be back soon! Jeld-Wen A massive thank you to Rob and the team for all their efforts in what was another successful result for us. Specialist Door Solutions Ltd. Excellent experience with knowledgeable and helpful staff. Good organisation and brilliant hospitality. Westport Committed to Quality and Competence. UKTC is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 21542. The laboratory is accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for Resistance to Fire Testing of the non-load bearing elements of construction including; door and shutter assemblies, walls and partitions, linear joint seals, glazing and architectural hardware. Learn More Testing Reaction to Fire Button Technical Classification Reports Button Certification UKTC ensure™ Button Testing Doorsets & Hardware Button Technical EXAP Reports Button Testing Walls & Partitions Button Frequently asked questions How much does a fire resistance test cost? Full-scale Fire Resistance tests are priced from, on average, £9,000 plus VAT. However, every test is unique, and fees can vary based on the scope of work involved. During contract review, UKTC personnel will work collaboratively with customers to ensure that the broadest field of application is achieved whilst minimising investment. What is BS 476 Part 22? BS 476 Part 22 is a key standard within the UK's building safety regulations that specifies methods for testing the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements of construction, such as doors, shutters, and various types of ducts and dampers. This standard is instrumental in determining how these elements will perform in the event of a fire, ensuring they meet the necessary safety requirements to protect building occupants and property. What is BS EN 1634-1? BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 is a European standard that specifies the test methods for assessing the fire resistance of door and shutter assemblies, including openable windows and elements of building hardware. This standard is crucial for evaluating how well these components can withstand fire, aiming to restrict fire development, limit its spread, and protect escape routes. How long does it take to get results? On completion of the test, the responsible officer will confirm the results within 24 hrs. This will be followed by a comprehensive draft report within 14 days. Can my product be changed from what was tested? Unlike fire resistance tests under British Standards, European standards provide a Direct Field of Application (DIAP) which detail the permissible changes from what was tested. An Extended Field of Application (EXAP) can also be undertaken which offers a great scope of variations than a DIAP. What is third-party certification? Third-party certification is independent verification that a product or service fulfils certain criteria. With passive fire protection products, this normally involves a certification body assessing test results, carrying out a factory production control audit and undertaking periodic inspections to ensure constancy of performance. UKTC work with many approved certification providers, including Bluesky Certification,(https://www.blueskycert.com/) IFC Certification (https://www.ifccertification.com/)and UL Solutions.(https://www.ul.com/) What is UKCA Marking? UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking is the new product marking which will be required for certain products placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). Does my product require UKCA Marking? The Construction Products Regulation in Great Britain (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/construction-products-regulation-in-great-britain)states that any Construction Product covered by a UK Designated Standard (https://www.uktestcert.com/post/designated-standards)must be UKCA marked. What is BS EN 13501-1? BS EN 13501-1 is a European standard that classifies the fire performance of a constriction product. The standard provides a framework, and series of tests used to determine how materials react to fire including its smoke production and flaming droplets. It assigns Euroclass ratings (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F) to products based on their performance. What is an Extended Field of Application Report (EXAP)? Extended Field of Application (EXAP) reports present a prediction of performance based on one or more test results, thereby enabling a broader field of application while maintaining or enhancing performance to product in question.

Boost your product's reputation with UKTC's certification services. From UKCA Marking to EXAPS, we provide high-quality, reliable technical & certification services. Our technical services offer the opportunity for customers to demonstrate the enhanced quality and application of their products to their marketplace. Technical Services Have a Question, or want to make an enquiry? Fill out a quick form for a quote. Speak to Us EXAPs Reports An extended field of application report is the prediction of performance based on one or more test results and it enables a wider scope of application to be achieved than what was initially tested. Read more Button Classification Reports Classification Reports certify the fire performance of building elements that have been subjected to relevant reaction to fire and fire resistance tests. Read more Button Downloads UKTC | Our Services Brochure UKTC | Ensure Brochure