BS 476 to BS EN 13501-2: what the change means for fire glazing

England is phasing the British Standard BS 476 test route out of Approved Document B in favour of European classification. The national reaction-to-fire classes were withdrawn in March 2025, and the remaining BS 476 fire-resistance references are due to be withdrawn on 2 September 2029, after which classification to BS EN 13501-2 is expected.

What it means for glazing

Fire-resistance evidence for screens and doors increasingly needs to be in European terms: E, EW or EI with a time, rather than a BS 476 Part 22 test report.

Existing installations

Glazing installed with valid BS 476 evidence is not automatically non-compliant. The change affects what evidence new work relies on.

Other UK nations

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland set their own guidance. Check the position for the nation your project is in.

What to ask suppliers

Ask for the BS EN 13501-2 classification for any system you are specifying now, so the project is not caught out by the transition.

Updated 09/10/2026. General guidance only; your fire strategy, designer and building control body decide what applies to a specific building.