Search
our site

Strengthening Fire Testing Capabilities United Kingdom Testing & Certification (UKTC) has been acquired by SOCOTEC UK & Ireland. This acquisition strengthens UKTC’s position as the UK’s premier fire testing provider. It also opens the door to expanded capabilities, investment, and long-term growth. For over 70 years, the SOCOTEC Group, chaired by Hervé Montjotin, has built its reputation as an independent trusted third party. The group specialises in risk management, compliance, safety, health, and environment in the Building, Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Industry sectors. This acquisition marks SOCOTEC’s strategic entry into the fire testing market. It reflects their confidence in UKTC’s technical credibility, market reputation, and customer-centric culture. “We’re pleased to become part of SOCOTEC,” said David Brown , Business Unit Director at UKTC. “This partnership recognizes the business we’ve built and the team behind it. It brings new investment and opens access to capabilities across the broader SOCOTEC group, while preserving our independence, our people, and our promise to customers.” What This Means for UKTC Customers You’ll continue to work with the same friendly, knowledgeable team you already know. There are no changes to our service model, name, or leadership team . You can expect the same high level of technical support, communication, and industry-leading turnaround times you’ve always received. With the backing of SOCOTEC, UKTC will invest in additional testing capacity , enhanced digital certification systems, and new services to meet the evolving needs of construction product manufacturers. “We’ve built our reputation on being responsive, expert-led, and easy to work with,” said Andrew Hutchison , Operations Director at UKTC. “That’s not changing. In fact, with this partnership, we’ll be able to do more—faster, and at greater scale.” Enhanced Services and Future Growth The acquisition by SOCOTEC UK & Ireland will allow UKTC to enhance its service offerings. This includes expanding their testing capabilities and improving their digital certification systems. The focus will be on meeting the evolving needs of construction product manufacturers. With the new investment, UKTC aims to streamline processes and improve efficiency. This will lead to quicker turnaround times for testing and certification. Customers can expect even better service as UKTC integrates new technologies and methodologies. Commitment to Quality and Customer Satisfaction UKTC has always prioritized quality and customer satisfaction. The team is dedicated to maintaining high standards in fire testing and certification. With SOCOTEC’s support, UKTC will continue to uphold these values while expanding its reach. The partnership is built on a foundation of trust and expertise. UKTC will remain committed to providing the same level of service that customers have come to expect. The team will continue to be responsive and accessible, ensuring that clients receive the best possible support. Conclusion The acquisition of UKTC by SOCOTEC UK & Ireland is a significant milestone. It strengthens UKTC’s position in the fire testing market and opens new avenues for growth. Customers can look forward to enhanced services and continued commitment to quality. For more information about SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, visit SOCOTEC UK .

What is BS 8644-1 – Digital management of fire safety information? The new national standard for the Digital Management of Fire Safety Information was established from a recommendation in Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety. BS 8644-1:2022 enables a standardised industry-wide approach to the management of fire safety information in the built environment. Who is BS 8644-1 Digital Management of Fire Safety Information for? The intended audience of the standard is any individual or organisation involved in the design, construction, occupation and maintenance of a built asset. The digital management of information is a crucial contribution to the golden thread, another recommendation from Dame Judith Hackitt’s report. It is the responsibility of each individual organisation to contribute to the golden thread; thus, the Digital Management of Fire Safety should be referred to and used by every stakeholder throughout a building’s development & lifecycle. What’s included in the BS 8644-1:2022 Standard? The standard gives recommendations for the management, including the presentation, and exchange of fire safety information using digital information management processes. BS 8644-1:2022 covers the following stages of the lifecycle of assets in the built environment: Briefing Design Construction Asset Handover Operation Fire & Rescue Intervention The standard also offers guidance to those that don’t directly handle fire safety information, ensuring that all building stakeholders can understand the importance of the handling of information and how it should be presented and accessed. Why is BS 8644-1:2022 important? Traditionally, the management of fire safety information was handled independently at each stage of a building’s life span, leading to obscured information and a broken chain of responsibility. To combat this, Dame Judith recommended that “Government should mandate a digital standard of record-keeping for the design, construction and during the occupation of new high rise residential buildings (HRBBs)”. The purpose of BS 8644-1:2022 is to ensure that the relevant information related to fire safety is made available to the right people at the right time. The standard ensures that there is a transparent allocation of responsibility and consistent naming convention that will contribute to a greater knowledge of fire safety and a safer built environment. UKTC ensure, BS 8644-1:2022 & the Golden Thread Established in response to the recommendations of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review, UKTC ensure is the first third-party certification scheme that is wholly aligned with the Golden Thread and as a result, follows the approach and guidance of BS 8644-1:2022. Unlike legacy systems, UKTC ensure allows passive fire product manufacturers to create a single source of truth in the form of a secure digital landing page that can be accessed by those who need it, when they need it. To find out more about UKTC ensure or start your certification journey, click here: https://www.uktc-ensure.com/

The world of fire testing can be complicated and dense, particularly when understanding the various standards and regulations that guide the process. This article will delve into one crucial standard: BS EN 1634-1, also known as the Fire Resistance Tests for Door and Shutter Assemblies. What is BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 - Fire Resistance Tests for Door and Shutter Assemblies? BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 outlines the test methods used to gauge the fire resistance of door and shutter assemblies, including openable windows and elements of building hardware. As a critical component of fire safety in buildings, fire-resisting doors serve three primary purposes: 1. To restrict the initial development of a fire 2. To limit the spread of fire within the building 3. To safeguard escape routes for occupants The BS EN 1634-1 test regimes determine how long a door withstands a fire attack, a crucial element in ensuring fire safety in buildings. Under BS EN 1634-1 test regimes, a door withstands fire attack for a period of time and for the purpose of the regulation, more than 30 minutes is described as E30 and more than 60 minutes is described as E60. Withstanding a fire attack means the door maintains its structural integrity. BS 476-22 versus EN 1634: Which Fire Testing Standard Should You Use? When it comes to fire testing door sets in the UK, there are two prevalent standards: BS 476-22 and BS EN 1634. While both aim to enhance fire safety in building construction, some key differences exist. BS 476-22 is often considered a slightly less rigorous test than EN 1634. The critical testing difference is the type of thermometer used to control the furnace in each method. The consequence of this is thought to be about a 5-20% reduction in performance when testing in accordance with BS EN 1634 compared with BS 476-22. However, the primary disadvantage of BS 476-22 is that it doesn't support CE or UKCA marking and is not recognised elsewhere in Europe. The Impact of UKCA Marking on Fire Testing Requirements One of the key factors influencing the choice of fire testing standards is the requirement for CE marking and, now, UKCA marking. Following the UK's departure from the EU, the UKCA mark has replaced the CE mark within the UK. While this transition hasn't significantly altered fire testing requirements, it has influenced the choice between BS 476-22 and EN 1634. From June 2025 , only products with UKCA marking will be accepted in Great Britain. Update: The deadline for UKCA marking was extended in September 2024. The length of the extension was not specified. EN 1634-1 vs BS 476-22: Predicting the Future of Fire Testing Standards Despite the UK's separation from the EU, the country is expected to remain closely aligned with all performance standards. If the requirement for internal door sets to also be CE/UKCA marked is introduced, BS 476-22 may lose relevance in testing the fire resistance of door sets. Why EN 1634-1 is Essential for Fire Testing The European standard for testing fire-rated door sets, EN 1634-1, is becoming increasingly significant. This test represents a higher performance standard due to the difference in the type of thermometer used to control the furnace. It also necessitates dual-sided /Bi-directional testing of door sets, bolstering confidence in their performance in the event of a fire regardless of what side of the door the fire might start. The Testing Process Under EN 1634-1 Testing under EN 1634-1 is rigorous and detailed. It begins with an optional sampling visit where an approved/ notified body witnesses the manufacture of the doorset specimen to be tested. The fire door set specimen must then be delivered to the laboratory and conditioned before being installed into a standard supporting construction. Meanwhile, the specimen is surveyed, instrumented with thermocouples and then tested to evaluate its Integrity, Insulation and Radiation performance. A door set to be rated E30 must satisfy the integrity (E) performance criterion for a minimum of 30 minutes. This means it must continue to hold back the fire without casing ignition of a cotton pad, allowing the penetration of a gap gauge or allowing a flame of more than 10 continuous seconds. The results of the test are then compiled in a comprehensive report that includes images, drawings and data, as well as a field of application. The Future of Fire Testing and the Importance of BS EN 1634-1 While the field of fire testing is dynamic and evolving, standards like BS EN 1634-1 provide a robust framework to ensure safety in building construction. By understanding and adopting these standards, we can build safer environments and better protect lives and properties against the devastating impacts of fire. How UKTC can help your passive fire testing needs by testing to BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC) is equipped to expertly assist you in all your passive fire testing needs. Our industry-leading, UKAS-accredited testing laboratory No. 21542, a state-of-the-art, fire-testing laboratory is equipped to test to the stringent requirements of BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 and under the guidelines of BS EN 13501-2. Our dedicated team of experts work to ensure your product complies with these stringent industry standards, providing you with the essential certification to provide a clear route to market for your products. We understand that time is critical in today's fast-paced market, and we pride ourselves on providing industry-leading turnaround times. UKTC’s streamlined procedures and efficient systems ensure that our testing processes are completed swiftly without compromising the thoroughness or accuracy of our tests. Our priority is to help you get your product to market quickly while ensuring the utmost safety and quality compliance. Trust UKTC to meet your passive fire testing needs and to navigate the complexities of BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 on your behalf, offering you peace of mind and a competitive edge in the market. Are you looking to find out more information? Contact us at info@uktestcert.com or call us on 01355 433122; our experienced team will be happy to help.

Manufacturers from across the construction and built-environment industry joined UKTC for a morning centred around Reaction to Fire. Attendees were able to experience a live fire test and learn from industry-experts about a product’s journey to classification under EN 13501-1.   Take a look at the event highlights below…     If you want to host an event at UKTC, contact our Marketing Manager for more information – Andrew McGhee, Andrew.McGhee@uktestcert.com

What is Reaction to Fire Testing? Reaction to fire testing examines the characteristics, such as combustibility, of building materials to determine their contribution to the development and spread of a fire. Materials can be classified under BS EN 13501-1 according to their reaction to fire and this is determined with a series of tests. What test methods are used in Reaction to Fire Testing? Single Burning Item (SBI) – BS EN 13823:2020 This procedure, likely the most recognisable of the tests, specifies a method of test for determining the reaction to fire of construction products when exposed to thermal attack by a single burning item. Non-Combustibility – BS EN ISO 1182:2020 This test identifies products that will not, or not significantly, contribute to a fire, regardless of their end use. This test has been developed to identify construction products which produce a very limited amount of heat and flame when exposed to temperatures of approximately 750°C. Small Flame – BS EN ISO 11925-2:2020 The Small Flame test method determines the potential maximum total heat release of a product when completely burned, regardless of its end use. This determines the absolute value of the heat of combustion for a product without accounting for inherent product variability. Calorific Value – BS EN ISO 1716:2018 This method specifies a test for determining the ignitability of products by direct small-flame impingement under zero impressed irradiance using vertically oriented test specimens. Is a product required to use each test method to determine its classification? No, there are mandatory test methods to be completed depending on the classification being sought. Classification BS EN ISO 1716 BS EN ISO 1182 BS EN ISO 13823 BS EN ISO 11925-2 A1 Mandatory Mandatory x x A2 Or Or Mandatory x B x x Mandatory Mandatory C x x Mandatory Mandatory D x x Mandatory Mandatory E x x Mandatory Mandatory   What does a reaction to fire classification look like? A product’s reaction to fire classification is broken down into three characteristics: Combustibility, Smoke Production, and Flaming Droplets. These are displayed as follows… Combustibility A1 – Non-combustible materials that do not contribute to the development of a fire. A2 – Materials with limited combustibility that do not contribute to the development of a fire. B – Combustible materials with limited contribution to fire development. C – Combustible materials with minor contribution to fire development. D – Combustible material that contributes to fire development. E – Combustible materials that will only resist a small flame for a few seconds. F – Materials that have not met the minimum requirements of class E. Smoke Production s1 – Little or no smoke production. s2 – Moderate amount of smoke production. s3 – Substantial amount of smoke production. Flaming Droplets d0 – No flaming droplets or particles d1 – Some flaming droplets and/or particles d2 – Quite a lot of flaming droplets and/or particles Example Classification If a product received a classification of B-s1,d0 this would translate to the product having limited combustibility ( B ), low smoke production ( s1 ), and no flaming droplets ( d0 ). To learn more about the BS EN 13501 reaction to fire classification system, test methods or to organise reaction to fire testing for your product, talk to our team by clicking here .

United Kingdom Testing & Certification’s remote witnessing service helps manufacturers across the country witness their product’s fire test. As a result of our commitment to the continuous development of our customer experience, more clients are utilising our remote viewing technologies to work efficiently whilst still benefiting from a completely transparent test experience. What are the benefits of remotely viewing a product’s fire test? Remote witnessing of product fire testing  offers several benefits including minimising travel and the associated expenses, offering the opportunity to multiple members of the client’s team to view a fire test, including those that may not have had the opportunity to view one, and even as a training opportunity for various stakeholders. As part of our remote viewing experience, clients have direct access to multiple views including live feeds of the test and data as well as direct communication facilities with their UKTC Technical Officer. Additional photographs and views of the test are available throughout the duration of the test directly from the Technical Officer where requested. Does remote viewing of a test change any of the processes? No, all remotely witnessed tests are performed in accordance with the relevant test standards. The remote viewing experience is set up to provide the exact same level of details as if they attended the test in person. If you’re interested in our remote fire testing services, contact us by clicking here .

On the 26th of February 2025, the government issued a response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report. Included in the response is the acceptance of 49 of the report’s recommendations with plans to act on all 58. The recommendations and actions include sweeping reform for construction, building and fire safety – let’s look at how this could impact the testing and certification industry. Significant Deficiencies in Testing & Certification The Inquiry’s report highlights significant deficiencies in the testing and certification of construction products, particularly combustible cladding materials. It criticises the lack of rigorous testing and the failure to identify issues because of bad testing practices. As a result, the government’s response and plans include: Enhanced testing protocols:  Test laboratories will be required to adopt more stringent testing methods to accurately assess product safety.​ Increased accountability:  There will be greater scrutiny of testing processes, with potential civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance or misleading practices.​ Regular audits and oversight:  Test laboratories can expect more frequent inspections to ensure adherence to updated safety standards. Full transparency:  Ensuring that test history of products is easily accessible, honest, and evidenced. To support these actions, the government has committed to establishing a new single construction regulator. The aim is to improve standards in the industry and ensure those responsible, including testing laboratories, are held to the highest of standards. The single regulator will be responsible for the regulation of construction products, building control and the licencing of contractors to work on higher-risk buildings. However, testing and certification of construction products will continue to be the responsibility of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). Being a part of the solution United Kingdom Testing & Certification was established as part of the response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in the wake of calls for greater testing and certification availability for construction products in the UK. Our team, working from our UKAS accredited testing laboratory, continues to be committed to ensuring life safety by delivering market-leading testing solutions for passive fire product manufacturers. Our rigorous-approach to testing and industry-leading report times has seen many of the UK’s leading passive fire product manufacturers trust UKTC with their testing programmes. Andrew Hutchison, Head of Technical at United Kingdom Testing & Certification, commented: “Whilst 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.” “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 remains committed to working alongside regulators, manufacturers, and industry bodies to help ensure such a tragedy never happens again.” Construction Product’s Green Paper Included in Phase 1 of the government’s plans is the Construction Products Reform Green Paper with a consultation period of 12 weeks. According to the government response, the paper “is the first important step in making sure that we deliver a comprehensive package of measures to reform the construction products sector.” The paper will also look to address key failures highlighted in the Inquiry’s report including the bad testing practices. We encourage individuals and organisations to respond to the Green Paper before the 21st May deadline by completing the online survey form which can be found here . If you want to discuss how the recommendations could impact your testing plans, talk to us today by clicking here .

Whether you're new to the industry or not, the two terms can often be confusing. In our latest blog, we explain some of the important distinctions between the two terms. Reaction to Fire Reaction to fire tests look at how a material behaves when it is exposed to fire. The European standard, BS EN 13501-1, is used to determine the reaction to fire classification of construction materials. BS EN 13501-1 evaluates the fire performance of construction products through a series of tests that assess their reaction to fire, smoke production, and flaming droplets. There are seven classification groups, from A1 which is non-combustible to F which is combustible. The classifications are A1, A2, B, C, D, E, and F. A1 – Non-combustible materials – do not contribute to the development of a fire. A2 – Materials with limited combustibility – do not contribute to the development. B – Combustible – limited contribution to fire. C - Combustible – minor contribution to fire. D – Combustible – contributes to fire. E – Combustible – will only resist a small flame for a few seconds. F – Materials that have not been classified or have not met the minimum requirements of class E. To learn more about UKTC's reaction to fire testing, click here. What is Fire Resistance Testing? The fire resistance of a product refers to a material’s ability to withstand and endure the effects of a fire, including high temperatures and flames, among other fire-related conditions and preventing it from spreading elsewhere. Fire resistance testing involves a product specimen within a supporting construction mounted to a furnace. Loadbearing capacity Integrity Insultation   Loadbearing Capacity This is the support system of the building and its occupants. Loadbearing capacity measures the product’s ability to remain intact and fulfil its intended use without collapsing. Some materials may have a significant loss in strength when exposed to the prolonged effects of fire. Integrity (E) Integrity refers to the time that a component can withstand and prevent fire and smoke from breaching into the compartmentation of the building. Insulation (I) Insulation is a measurement the time it takes for the material to withstand the heat generated from a fire and prevent it from breaching the building’s compartmentation. To learn more about UKTC's fire resistance testing services, click here . Why is it important to understand the difference between fire resistance and reaction to fire? The performance of a material can vary between fire resistance and reaction to fire testing. Therefore, it is crucial for decision makers to review the appropriate fire test evidence to ensure the chosen building material meet the requirements for their intended application.   If you’re looking for fire testing and certification services, contact us today.

Third party certification is one of the most-effective ways, of independently verifying the safety and quality of your passive fire protection products. Achieving certification involves independent regular audits to ensure that the management, manufacturing processes and supporting systems are in place to ensure consistency with the fire doorset that was initially tested. Why is third-party certification important? Third-party certification provides independent verification to support the stated performance of the fire doorset. Certification gives the purchasing party and end-users confidence in the performance of the product and its components. How does third-party certification work? Certification is awarded to a business, or product, that meets the requirements of the individual scheme. The requirements will be clearly set out and will be used to ensure compliance with standards and best practice. There are many third-party schemes that will set their own specific requirements and certification timeline. UKTC have created their own third-party certification scheme with a clear, streamlined process to suit manufacturers of all sizes. What makes UKTC ensure different to other third-party certification schemes? UKTC ensure is the first third-party certification scheme designed around the principles of the golden thread as established by the Building Regulations Advisory Committee. Our streamlined approach helps you get ahead of the competition and respond quickly to market demands. Following the Grenfell Inquiry, UKTC made the decision to create a third-party certification scheme that not only meets the recommendations of the report, but exceeds requirements to offer a robust, future-proof certification scheme. By committing to, and achieving, UKTC ensure certification, you showcase your dedication to a safer future. What is the process for certification? Evaluation The first step in the certification process is to review the relevant fire test data and assessment evidence which will allow us to provide a clearly defined scope for certification of the product. Factory Production Control Audit A Factory Production Control (FPC) audit is performed at each site where the product is produced. This allows the certification team to ensure that the product is manufactured to the relevant standards and management systems. Sampling & Testing During the FPC audit, the product may be sampled for initial type testing for evidence towards the product certification. Certification The certificate is prepared based on the supporting data provided throughout the previous steps. Following the award, the certificate and supporting data would be uploaded to the UKTC ensure vault, an online database of key information relating to the product. Ongoing Surveillance & Audit Testing A surveillance audit and sample testing will be carried out annually to ensure that products and the systems involved continue to satisfy the declared performance. Product Identification Approved manufacturers will be benefit from a labelling system on their doorsets to prove compliance. These labels will feature a QR code that will send the user to a dedicated page of the ensure vault that hosts the manufacturers details and certification to create a single source of truth. Is committing to a third-party certification necessary? Third-party certification schemes are not a legal requirement, but they are recommended by the Government and in Building Regulations. By committing to a third-party certification scheme, a manufacturer shows its commitment to quality and safety which will provide confidence to customers and end users.   If you want to learn more about our third-party certification scheme, UKTC ensure, or discuss joining the scheme, click here to contact us .

United Kingdom Testing & Certification has revealed its plans to create the Fire Test Experience Hub at this year’s Fire Safety Event in Birmingham. Working in partnership with Fire Safety Event, we have committed to dedicating over 50% of our exhibition space to create a presentation area for the Fire Test Experience. This area will play host to a number of immersive presentations designed to give you an insight into the operations of a fire testing laboratory. The presentation area is also available to other organisations looking to share industry insights and experience. If you’re interested in presenting and want to learn more, contact us by clicking here .

This article was first published by Scottish Enterprise on 29/01/25. You can view the original post by clicking here . UKTC has received a grant award from Scottish Enterprise of £835,000 towards an expansion project totalling £2.5 million that will extend its premises and create a new furnace capable of testing structures up to 5m high. In increasing the size of its factory UKTC will create around 20 new jobs taking the team to 38 employees as well as improving its energy efficiency and bringing services in-house that it currently sub-contracts to a European supplier. Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “Since 2007, Scotland’s productivity rate has grown by 1.1% a year compared to 0.4% across the UK. “Our draft budget for 2025-26 aims to build a more productive economy, setting out more than £320 million for our enterprise agencies who are tasked with helping businesses to grow, scale and become more productive. “In the last financial year alone, Scottish Enterprise marked its best performance on jobs and capital investment. This included securing and safeguarding more than 16,700 jobs and unlocking £1.9 billion of capital investment spend.” Managing director of productivity and business growth at Scottish Enterprise Rhona Allison said: “UKTC’s expansion highlights what’s possible when a company commits to growth and innovation. “We know that those businesses that focus on investing and expanding through either new equipment or premises by creating room for further growth in turn create higher value jobs, improve sustainability and profitability in the process. “This investment helps increase UKTC’s productivity and brings benefits to the construction sector supply chain as well as supporting a safer built environment. The project also highlights how Scottish Enterprise can work with businesses to boost productivity and the economy.” UKTC provides a vital test lab service to passive fire protection product manufacturers in the construction industry with rigorous analysis of building materials from doors to wall panels and building membranes to determine and certify their suitability for use in different applications.   The company was established as a response to demand for high-quality fire testing services following tragedies such as the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 that was caused by flammable building material and has led to increased scrutiny around the safety of buildings. Andrew Hutchison, Head of Technical at UKTC said: “The construction industry is facing growing demand for fire testing, which is why we are investing in a new test hall to expand our services for both existing and new customers, while also creating new jobs as we grow. "The safety of materials used in homes and buildings is critical, and at UKTC, we remain committed to the protection of lives and assets. "Our planned extension, set to be completed next year, will house a new full-scale fire resistance test furnace. This would not have been possible without the support from Scottish Enterprise. Upgrading our facilities will enable us to continue delivering the highest standards of fire testing in the UK.” The expansion of United Kingdom Testing and Certification during National Productivity Week (27-31 Jan) highlights how companies can invest to improve productivity. National Productivity Week is a campaign organised by The Productivity Institute that aims to raise awareness of, and offer solutions to, addressing productivity challenges. More at www.productivityweek.co.uk

Approved Document B (fire safety) Volume 1 (Dwellings) and Volume 2 (Buildings other than dwellings) has been updated by The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) to incorporate future amendments. The recently issued consolidated document sees the 2019 edition, which incorporates the 2020 and 2022 amendments, now updated to include the forthcoming 2025, 2026, and 2029 amends. The document, which can be viewed here , highlights the forthcoming changes as follows: The 2025 amends, highlighted in blue, will take effect on the 2nd of March 2025 for use in England. These amends include for the removal of national classes for reaction to fire and roofs. The 2026 amends, highlighted in purple, will take effect on the 30th of September 2026 for use in England. The 2029 amends, highlighted in orange, will take effect on the 2nd of September 2029. These amends include the removal of the national classes for fire resistance . These updates to Approved Document B were announced in a parliamentary statement on the 2nd of September 2024, allowing for a transition period of 6 months for reaction to fire and 5 years for fire resistance. The removal of the national classes (BS 476 fire tests) ends “the dual classification system that has operated since the early 2000s in favour of the more rigorous, internationally recognised European standard (BS EN 13501).” as detailed in the 2nd September statement. If you want to know more about the transition to BS EN 13501 and how it will impact your future tests, contact our team by clicking here .