New schemes designed to help companies meet forthcoming regulatory guidance in England for fire resisting doorsets
Element Materials Technology (Element), a leading laboratory-based provider of testing and certification services, and parent company of BM TRADA and Warringtonfire, has launched three new Q-Mark Certification schemes, and further developed existing ones, in response to new Government requirements in England.
The new and revised schemes are designed to help manufacturers and systems houses provide third-party certified doorsets that are classified to the EN 13501-2 European classification standard.
The UK Government’s announcement on 2 September 2024 stated that the National Classes fire testing standards would be withdrawn from Approved Document B (England) on 2 September 2029, in favour of the EN 13501 European classification series. This means that products such as fire resisting doorsets will be expected to be classified to EN 13501-2 for fire resistance, and, where applicable, smoke control, by that date.
In response to this announcement, Element’s three new Q-Mark schemes for doorset manufacturers (covering timber, metal, and composite materials), and the revised scheme for systems houses, will give companies a clear pathway to certification based on the EN classification framework. Element’s new schemes launched on 7 October 2025.
The early introduction of new schemes, alongside the existing schemes, enables manufacturers to continue to supply doorsets designed to meet current market regulatory requirements, whilst providing a route to EN classified doorsets in time for the updated requirements, providing Q-Mark certified companies with a competitive advantage.
Above all, Q-Mark Certification provides reassurance that products are designed to meet the highest standards and regulatory requirements via a robust, trusted pathway that demonstrates ongoing compliance.
Setting itself apart from first party certification, Q-Mark delivers continuous assessment through Factory Production Control audits and periodic audit testing, enabling companies to demonstrate consistent quality and a long-term commitment to safety and performance. This is backed by the technical expertise of BM TRADA and Warringtonfire, which are both UKAS accredited.
Victoria Brennan, General Manager for Certification and Technical at Element, said: “Organisations don’t just need to meet standards once – they need to show that they’re committed to maintaining them. This is where the Q-Mark excels.
“While the move from BS to EN standards marks one of the most significant regulatory updates for the construction industry in recent years, Q-Mark Certification now provides a solution that considers both national and European classification applications, helping the whole supply chain to be diligent, compliant, and competitive.
“At Element, our priority is to lead the industry through this transition. We’re doing this by maintaining our trusted certification schemes, offering expert technical guidance, and working closely with stakeholders to interpret and respond to evolving regulations. While the future of BS 476 outside England remains uncertain, we expect current schemes to remain valid unless regulatory updates are introduced. We’re committed to evolving our services in response to these changes – both in England and internationally – so our clients can continue bringing their products to their chosen markets with confidence.”
Although the revised regulatory guidance relevant to fire doors in England does not take effect until 2029, Element is encouraging early adoption to avoid disruptions to manufacturing processes and supply chains.
To proactively support the industry in this transition, Element is hosting an open webinar to explain the recent regulatory changes and the EN classification system. The webinar will be hosted by Peter Barker, Technical Policy Manager, on 23 October 2025. This session will explain how the EN classification system can be used within third party certification schemes to provide added assurance of product performance for doorsets.
More information and registration for the session can be found here.
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About the Author
Dave Staddon - Publisher
Co-Founder of MDM Publishing Ltd. He has worked in fire publishing for close to 30 years. The company's portfolio includes International Fire Protection, International Fire Fighter, Asia Pacific Fire, Gulf Fire & UK Fire.
