Construction Management is the highest circulation construction-based publication serving the UK built environment.
News
National classes fire testing standards permanently abolished
Cristina Lago Deputy Editor
(Image: Maxim Tajer, Unsplash)
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).
This is not a paywall. Registration allows us to enhance your experience across Construction Management and ensure we deliver you quality editorial content.
Registering also means you can manage your own CPDs, comments, newsletter sign-ups and privacy settings.
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References to BS 476 associated with fire resistance will be withdrawn on 2 September 2029.
“We are completing the withdrawal of the outdated national classes fire testing standards, ending a long period of dual specification in favour of the more robust European standard,” said building safety minister Rushanara Ali in the written ministerial statement confirming the date of the National Classes abolition. “This implements the recommendation, made in the Hackitt Report, for a clearer, transparent and effective testing regime.”
The January/February 2026 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
Powered Access
CM, in partnership with IPAF, has launched a new survey to explore the industry’s views and experiences with powered access machines on construction projects.
This is not a first step towards a paywall. We need readers to register with us to help sustain creation of quality editorial content on Construction Management. Registering also means you can manage your own CPDs, comments, newsletter sign-ups and privacy settings. Thank you.
