Do Fire Doors Need Third-Party Certification?

Fire doors are one of the most critical components of any building’s fire safety strategy. They provide vital protection by containing fire and smoke, preserving escape routes, and giving the fire service time to respond. But simply installing a door with a “fire door” sticker isn’t enough.

So, do fire doors need third-party certification? While the law doesn’t explicitly require it, the short answer is: they should be and here’s why.

What Is a Fire Door?

A fire door is a specially constructed door set, meaning the door leaf, frame, hinges, seals, and glazing (if any) are all tested together as a system. When correctly specified and installed, a fire door can resist fire for a set period (e.g. 30 or 60 minutes), allowing safe evacuation and protecting the rest of the building.

What Does UK Law Require?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” must ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are in place and maintained. This includes making sure fire doors:

• Are suitable for their purpose

• Are properly installed and maintained

• Perform as intended in a fire

Although the Order doesn’t mandate third-party certification, it does require that measures be “based on the principles of risk assessment.” In practice, this means you must be able to prove that your fire doors are fit for purpose.

And that’s where third-party certification comes in.

What Is Third-Party Certification, and Why Does It Matter?

Third-party certification schemes involve independent testing of fire door products by accredited bodies. This ensures that the door set has been assessed under controlled conditions and meets specific British or European standards (such as BS 476-22 or EN 1634-1).

Certification schemes also include factory audits, quality control procedures, and ongoing assessment, so you know the product is consistent and reliable.

Examples of well-known schemes include:

• BM TRADA Q-Mark

• Certifire (Warringtonfire)

• BSI Kitemark

 

What to Look for on a Certified Fire Door

If a fire door is third-party certified, it should come with several key indicators:

1. Certification Label or Plug
   Usually located on the top or side edge of the door leaf. This should include:

   • The name of the certifying body

   • The certification scheme

   • The fire resistance rating (e.g. FD30, FD60)

2. Installation Instructions
   Certified fire doors must be installed according to manufacturer guidelines. Deviation from these instructions can invalidate the certification.

3. Complete Door Set Information
   Certification applies to the entire door assembly, not just the leaf. The frame, seals, hinges, glazing, and ironmongery must be approved for use as part of the system.

4. Certificate of Conformity
   Some manufacturers will provide supporting paperwork confirming the fire rating and compliance with standards.

 

What If a Fire Door Isn’t Certified?

If your fire door has no certification label and no traceable paperwork, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to prove its performance in a fire.

This may:

• Invalidate your fire risk assessment

• Lead to enforcement action from fire and rescue services

• Result in legal liability if the door fails during a fire

• Cause issues with insurance claims

In short, without certification, you may struggle to demonstrate compliance with the Fire Safety Order.

Who Needs to Pay Attention to This?

Third-party certified fire doors are especially important in:

• HMOs (houses in multiple occupation)

• Care homes and supported housing

• Commercial buildings and offices

• Public buildings (schools, hospitals, etc.)

• Flats with shared escape routes

Responsible persons, including landlords, managing agents, facilities managers and employers, should ensure all fire doors are properly certified, installed and maintained.

Common Pitfalls

• Assuming any solid door is fire-rated – Only tested door sets are compliant.

• Replacing parts without approval – Swapping out seals, glazing or ironmongery can void certification.

• Painting over labels – Always leave certification markings visible.

• Forgetting maintenance – Certified doors still need regular checks on closers, seals, and gaps.

 

Best Practice: Always Specify Certified Doors

While not yet a legal requirement, third-party certification is increasingly seen as best practice, and often expected by insurers, auditors, and enforcement officers.

It provides traceable, test-backed assurance that the door will perform when it matters most.

In Summary

• Third-party certification isn’t mandatory under law, but it’s the most reliable way to prove compliance.

• Always check for a valid label, installation guide, and conformity documents.

• Avoid modifying or mixing components unless approved by the manufacturer.

• For high-risk or regulated settings, uncertified fire doors are simply not worth the risk.

If you’re unsure whether your current fire doors are compliant, it’s time for an inspection. Because when it comes to saving lives in a fire, “probably fire-rated” just isn’t good enough.

For expert advice on fire protection and prevention measures, contact Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy on 07585 896648