Fire Door Compliance: What’s Changing in 2026
Fire doors are one of the most important parts of any building’s fire safety system. They hold back smoke and flames, giving people time to escape. But the rules around fire door testing are changing, and building owners need to understand what this means.
What Is Changing?
The UK is moving away from the British Standard BS 476 for fire resistance testing. In its place, the European standard BS EN 1634 is being introduced.
This is not a sudden change. It has been phased in over several years:
| Date | What Changes | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| March 2025 | New rules for reaction to fire testing | In Force |
| September 2026 | New requirements for second staircases in buildings over 18 metres | Upcoming |
| September 2029 | Full phase out of BS 476 for fire resistance testing | Deadline |
For most businesses, the key date is September 2029, but it is worth understanding the changes now.
Important: Standard Change
BS EN 1634 tests complete door assemblies including frames, seals, and hardware — not just the door leaf. This gives clearer, more rigorous results than the outgoing BS 476 standard.
Why Is This Happening?
The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 exposed serious problems with how building materials were tested and certified. The Hackitt Report that followed called for stricter, more consistent standards across the industry.
BS EN 1634 also measures smoke leakage more accurately. The aim is a single, rigorous testing system that gives clearer results.
What Does This Mean for Your Building?
If your fire doors were tested and certified under BS 476, they remain valid. You do not need to replace them immediately. However, when you install new fire doors or replace existing ones, you should check they meet current standards.
Manufacturers are already producing doors tested to BS EN 1634. Your fire door supplier should be able to confirm which standard applies.
The 5 Point Fire Door Check
Regardless of which standard your doors were tested to, regular checks are essential. Use this simple checklist:
Certification
Look for a label or plug on the door edge confirming it is a certified fire door.
Gaps
Check gaps around the door edges are consistent and no larger than 3mm (4mm at the threshold).
Seals
Intumescent seals should be intact with no damage or paint coverage.
Hinges
Fire doors need three hinges, all securely fixed.
Closing
The door should close fully into the frame on its own, without sticking.
Need a Fire Door Inspection?
We carry out fire door inspections across Cumbria. We can check your doors, identify any issues, and advise on replacements where needed.