From BS 476 to EN 13501: How Fire and Acoustic Seals Are Preparing for the Future of Fire Door Testing
From September 2029, the UK will complete its transition away from BS 476 testing for fire doors and adopt the European EN 13501 classification system. This change, confirmed by the government for updates to Approved Document B, will mark the end of BS 476 as an accepted route to demonstrate fire performance for doors and door assemblies.
The shift is designed to modernise testing, improve consistency, and support a clearer, evidence-based approach to building safety.
What The Change Means
EN 13501 is the European system used to classify the fire performance of construction products and building elements. For fire doors, EN 13501-2 works alongside EN 1634-1 fire resistance testing, classifying performance in terms of integrity and insulation (for example, E, EW or EI for a set period in minutes).
From September 2029, evidence based on BS 476-22 will no longer demonstrate compliance in England. All new fire door testing and certification will need to follow the EN route.
Fire & Acoustic Seals’ Readiness
Fire and Acoustic Seals has already undertaken EN 13501 testing on our core key product range to ensure readiness ahead of the national transition. The technical team continues to prepare for full alignment with the updated standards, reviewing documentation, updating certifications, and working closely with testing and certification partners.
Specific product ranges that are already EN tested are:
- Fire Door Foam™
- FAS Fire Door Intumescent Acrylic Sealant
- FAS Fire Door Silicone Sealant
Fire & Acoustic Seals continues to work with these Third-Party-Accredited bodies:
- Certifire
- Warringtonfire
- Cambridge Fire Research
- United Kingdom Testing & Certification
Fire & Acoustic Seals Managing Director, Julian Vollans, states;
With the anticipated withdrawal of the current British fire test standard in 2029, Fire & Acoustic Seals has been taking strides to ensure that our products remain compliant and meet the demands of the stringent European test standards, meaning that specifiers and users alike can continue to choose FAS products, safe in the knowledge that they are supported with test-based evidence. With tests already undertaken, along with our ongoing and forthcoming test programme, we will provide the continuation of our third-party accreditation and product scope to give excellent solutions for fire door installations well into the future.
As always, Fire & Acoustic Seals gives compliance the utmost importance and will strive towards best practice for the industry. Through our online training platform and CPD presentations, we aim to communicate how our fire door installation products meet the necessary standards and give confidence that, in choosing FAS sealants for your installations, you are in safe hands.
This proactive approach demonstrates Fire and Acoustic Seals’ commitment to maintaining the highest levels of safety, quality, and compliance as industry requirements evolve.
What This Means For Customers
This transition means reassurance that FAS products are future-ready. The FAS Sealant range of Fire Door products are already tested to EN 13501 and EN 1634-1, and will meet regulatory expectations long before the 2029 deadline.
Customers can continue specifying Fire and Acoustic Seals products with confidence that they comply with current and forthcoming fire door testing standards in the UK.
Looking Ahead
As the industry moves towards a single testing framework under EN 13501, Fire and Acoustic Seals remains committed to leading through expertise, transparency, and rigorous compliance. Taking full advantage of learning opportunities and collaboration with industry partners like ASDMA and Warringtonfire for support and information.
For more information on our EN 13501-tested products or technical support, please contact our technical team at [email protected].