National classes fire testing standards permanently abolished

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References to BS 476 associated with fire resistance will be withdrawn on 2 September 2029.

“We are completing the withdrawal of the outdated national classes fire testing standards, ending a long period of dual specification in favour of the more robust European standard,” said building safety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 minister’s announcement also included the cancellation of the 2025 deadline for the CE mark for construction products and making sprinklers mandatory in new care homes following a consultation to Approved Document B.