National classes fire testing standards permanently abolished

The government has confirmed the withdrawal of the national classes of fire testing standards in England will come into force on 2 March 2025.

Approved Document B of the building regulations currently operates a dual system for reaction to fire and roofs and fire resistance testing and classification for construction products. This includes the national classes (BS 476), also known as the British standard version, and the European ‘Euroclass’ standard (BS EN 13501 series).

The national classes are seldom used by the construction industry, but certain sectors still rely on fire resistance tests for their products.

The update removes the national classification system (BS 476) for reaction to fire and roofs from Approved Document B, which provides statutory guidance for fire safety in new building work.

The European standard (BS EN), which the government said is more current and robust than the national classes, will be the sole route of specification within Approved Document B for reaction to fire and roof classifications from 2 March.

References to BS 476 associated with fire resistance will be withdrawn on 2 September 2029.

Building safety minister Rushanara Ali said in the written ministerial statement confirming the date of the National Classes abolition:

We are completing the withdrawal of the outdated national classes fire testing standards, ending a long period of dual specification in favour of the more robust European standard. This implements the recommendation, made in the Hackitt Report, for a clearer, transparent and effective testing regime.

This article originally appeared on Construction Manager