FAQs: Q-Mark Systems House Scheme and EN 13501-2 Schemes for Doorset Manufacturers

On 2nd September 2024, the UK Government confirmed that the National Classes fire testing standards will be withdrawn from Approved Document B (England) in favour of the EN 13501 series of European classification standards. A transition period of 5 years was given by the UK Government for fire resisting construction products, meaning products such as fire resisting doorsets will need to be classified to EN 13501-2 for the relevant performance characteristics by 2nd September 2029. 

In response, BM TRADA has developed new Q-Mark schemes for the certification of doorsets and updated existing schemes to accommodate EN 13501-2 classification including fire resistance and smoke control performance. 

To support these schemes, we have prepared technical information sheets that explain how the schemes work alongside additional information on acceptable forms of supporting evidence. 

Following a period of consulting with customers on the new and updated schemes with the webinars delivered on 23rd October and 6th November, we have collated a series of frequently asked questions, which are to be read together with the technical information sheets. 

If you still have any remaining questions, please contact us directly via your BM TRADA or Warringtonfire representative.

LEAVES, FRAMES & DOOR ASSEMBLIES

I currently supply doorsets under the BM TRADA Q-Mark Timber Fire Door Manufacturing Scheme. Will there be additional costs for me to maintain the same certification scope/output, or will I automatically be certified for both schemes? 

The BM TRADA Q-Mark EN 13501-2 Schemes for Doorset Manufacturers are new schemes. To manufacture doorsets under the new schemes, there will be a requirement for a new application with associated fees. However, it will be possible to conduct some Factory Production Control (FPC) verifications at the same time as those required under the current scheme and these efficiencies will be passed on as savings in time and cost.  Where clients reside in both an existing certification scheme (e.g. Timber Fire Door Manufacturing Scheme) and one of the EN classification schemes (e.g. EN 13501-2 Scheme for Timber Doorset Manufacturers) with the same scope, discounted rates will be applicable. Where clients are transferring from one scheme to another, no additional subscription fees will be applied. 

I don’t currently supply doorsets and this is permitted under the BM TRADA Q-Mark Timber Fire Door Manufacturing Scheme currently (e.g. leaves and frames). Will BM TRADA provide additional certification for these products such that they can be used within door assemblies for EN 13501-2 classification?

The BM TRADA Q-Mark EN 13501-2 Schemes for Doorset Manufacturers were the first to launch and do not include certification for the manufacture of leaves, frames and door assemblies. However, BM TRADA is currently working on additional schemes to accommodate manufacturers of leaves, frames and door assemblies for EN 13501-2 classification. Details of which will be provided in due course.

AUDIT TESTING

If I remain in an existing BM TRADA Q-Mark Certification scheme and join one of the new EN 13501-2 Schemes, will I be required to carry out additional fire resistance audit tests to meet the requirements of both schemes?

Where a manufacturer remains in an existing certification scheme (e.g. Timber Fire Door Manufacturing Scheme) and joins one of the EN classification schemes (e.g. EN 13501-2 Scheme for Timber Doorset Manufacturers) and the door type is of the same material and constructed using similar processes, there will be a requirement for three-year audits for fire, but the audit test will be used to cover both schemes. The audit test requirement will continue to be cycled through the different products on both scopes, as applicable, so over time all products are audited whilst verifying the manufacturer’s ability to construct doorsets.

A manufacturer that joins an EN classification scheme will be required to conduct their next audit test to the EN 1634-1 test standard, unless the manufacturer’s next audit test under the existing scheme’s requirements is due within a year of joining the new scheme.

If you are in another Q-Mark scheme for a different doorset type (e.g. composite or steel), additional audit tests will be required. It is only possible to use one audit test to meet the requirements of both the existing and EN classification scheme when the type of doorset and construction process is similar.

Do the new EN 13501-2 schemes remove the need to send any samples for initial and three-year audit testing when it comes to the smoke control characteristic?

Smoke testing is a requirement for pre-certification only where you are relying on a systems house. There is no ongoing requirement to audit test smoke control performance.

If you do not rely on systems houses but need smoke control included in your classification, a decision will be made by BM TRADA as to whether sampled Initial Type Testing (ITT) can be used as a qualifying pre-certification test.

Instead of audit testing smoke control performance, the doorset specification required for smoke control performance will be verified during ongoing Factory Production Control (FPC) audits. This is to ensure the doorset is correctly constructed with the necessary components for smoke control (e.g. smoke seals), ready for installation on site according to your instructions.

Ultimately, it is a requirement under the BM TRADA Q-Mark Certification schemes for doorsets that everyone holding certification for manufacturing smoke control doorsets has undertaken at least one sampled test. 

PRE-CERTIFICATION TESTING 

Currently a manufacturer relying on a systems house undertakes one initial pre-certification audit test and one additional audit test every three years, providing they are only in one scheme. I understand that under the new schemes this will now be required on each type/product family and could therefore increase the number of pre-certification tests. Can you clarify how many pre-certification audit tests will be required under the new schemes?

It is possible to conduct one pre-certification test and one ongoing triennial audit test to cover multiple product types, where the product types are of the same material and have similar construction processes. If BM TRADA deems that a particular product is significantly different in terms of its construction process but is of the same material type (e.g. the door type is composite but has very different construction processes to other composite doors on the manufacturer’s scope of certification), an additional pre-certification and ongoing audit test will be required. This will be clarified by BM TRADA when adding the door type to your scope of certification. 

NB: Where you rely on a systems house and have conducted a sampled audit test under Q-Mark within one year of joining an EN classification certification scheme, there is no additional requirement for a pre-certification test, subject to the product being of the same material type (e.g. timber). However, this is on the condition that the audit test was conducted at the same manufacturing facility as the one that is to be certified. If you wish to certify a different manufacturing facility for the EN classification scheme, it may be necessary for you to conduct an additional pre-certification test and ongoing triennial audit tests. 

DOOR BLANKS

Will Q-Mark certification of door blanks remain a requirement for the new EN classification schemes?

Yes. Q-Mark certification of door blanks is a pre-requisite for all Q-Mark Certification schemes for doors, including the new BM TRADA Q-Mark EN 13501-2 Schemes for Doorset Manufacturers.

BM TRADA Q-MARK SYSTEMS HOUSE SCHEME

I currently cascade information (e.g. Field of Applications) for manufacturers to use within Q-Mark, but I’m not in the BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme. Do I need to join the scheme in order for Q-Mark certified manufacturers to continue to be able to use my cascaded information?

Yes. Any company that wishes to cascade systems to manufacturers in new Q-Mark manufacturers' schemes must be certified within the BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme.

What are the key requirements of the BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme?

In summary, there will be a requirement for managing cascading of documents, provision of information related to manufacturing processes, training of manufacturers, competency records for key systems house staff, and managing feedback from pre-certification and audit testing. The requirements for the revised BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme are explained in more detail in the technical information sheet.

Which site locations will be audited under the updated BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme?

Systems houses may operate across multiple locations, and this has been accommodated in the revised BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme. The initial conformity assessment audit will typically take place at the company’s primary operational address, which should be the address listed on the application form. However, we will also request all significant locations related to the system that is cascaded (e.g. satellite factories, technical offices) and then arrange ongoing audits accordingly, which could include cyclical audits at different premises.

Do I need to hold full Systems House Certification in addition to those I currently hold with BM TRADA (i.e. Fire Door Manufacturer, Enhanced Security Door and Door Blank)?

You will need to be in the appropriate scheme depending on the operations you undertake, in addition to cascading information to a doorset manufacturer.

Some systems houses will move from their current scheme into the Systems House Scheme, some systems houses will be joining the Systems House Scheme in addition to other schemes, and some won’t need to do anything other than update certain operations in order to meet requirements of the Systems House Scheme.

Will security performance be included in the BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme?

Yes. The BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme has been updated to accommodate security alongside fire. The principle of the Systems House Scheme is to make sure we have the appropriate infrastructure in place for customers who cascade information to others for the manufacture of performance doorsets.

What will happen with my current dual and tri-scope specifications (Fire, Security and Smoke) that I use for cascading down to manufacturers?

They will all be added to the Systems House certification scope. The BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme has been updated to accommodate this.

I am currently in the Fire Door Manufacturing Scheme and cascade information as a systems house. Can I remain in this scheme and, if so, for how long? How will this work in conjunction with the newly developed schemes?

Ultimately, all systems houses will be moved into the BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme. However, for those systems houses that already cascade information under Q-Mark and are not looking to cascade documentation for EN classification inside the new schemes, there will be a two-year period for them to join the Systems House Scheme. 

If a systems house wants to cascade information for EN classification, they must join the Systems House Scheme and, where applicable, transfer their national documentation (e.g. Field of Applications) at the same time.

Can existing Field of Applications be transferred to the updated BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme? 

Yes, the Systems House Scheme has been written to accommodate both national and EN classifications as well as other performance characteristics (e.g. security) for the purpose of cascading to the appropriate Q-Mark scheme for manufacturers.

As a systems house, what level of training will I be expected to provide to manufacturers relying on my cascaded information?

You must provide training at a sufficient level to enable the manufacturer to understand key manufacturing requirements, specific to the system that you cascade. The training material and its delivery won’t be ratified by BM TRADA, but evidence of both will be requested during audit. Ultimately, it is expected that the manufacturer will understand how to manufacture the system based on the information being cascaded to them.
 
Other than the required evidence and classifications, how would an audit under the updated scheme for systems houses differ to an audit in the current scheme(s) I am part of? Are all elements audited at the same time?

Currently, only composite doorset systems houses are in the BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme and are audited based on control of documentation. There are some additional requirements which have been included in the updated scheme, which are summarised in the technical information sheet for systems houses.

The Systems House Scheme has been updated to improve:

• feedback of audit tests information between manufacturers and systems houses
• transparency regarding the test evidence that is being used to support the performance of the product being offered to market
• onboarding new manufacturers in terms of managing cascaded test evidence.

Improvements to FPC also ensure those processes that are specific to the system being cascaded are understood by the manufacturers of that system. Where the same activities are required by different schemes, these may be audited at the same time to avoid duplication.

How does the BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme interact with other marketplace schemes such as Certifire and will the Systems House Scheme also support fire doorset manufacturers that are certified under Certifire?

Evidence generated for use within the BM TRADA Q-Mark EN 13501-2 Schemes for Doorset Manufacturers may also be used within other Certifire schemes, provided it complies with the specific rules and requirements of those schemes. The new Q-Mark EN 13501-2 Schemes and the updated Systems House Scheme do not automatically allow systems to be cascaded under Certifire to provide Certifire certification for EN classification.

How does the EN test data and classifications used in the BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme differ from that used for CE/UKCA  Marking?

The same EN test evidence as that used in the BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme may be used for the purpose of CE and UKCA marking where the product is covered by a harmonised or designated standard. 

CE/UKCA marking is handled as a separate certification to voluntary third party certification. The notified/approved body must meet the requirements set out under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) for products at AVCP 1 and any associated guidance from the Group of Notified Bodies. This is separate to the requirements of the voluntary third party certification scheme, even when it is the same construction product being considered. It cannot be assumed that the requirements under one regime satisfy the other. 

I hold 20 years’ worth of generated test data and Fields of Applications. Where should we begin a gap analysis to determine how, if at all, this would translate to the new EN 13501-2 standard?

Ultimately, this is a decision for you based on your end-goal objectives. Further information can be found here: BS 476 and EN 13501: What you need to know | Warringtonfire

I am already certified under the BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme. Why do I now have responsibilities for training under the updated scheme? 

The requirements in the updated BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme are in line with current industry expectations. It is reasonable that a manufacturer of doorsets relying on cascaded information would receive specific training on the system they are manufacturing. The manufacturer is expected to be competent in producing doorsets and have received additional training relevant to the specific system (e.g. machining, storage, gluelines, aperture preparation).

I supply products and systems to different end processors, i.e. door leaf suppliers, door assembly suppliers and doorset manufacturers. How do my responsibilities differ under the revised BM TRADA Q-Mark Systems House Scheme?

It is your responsibility to cascade the appropriate information depending on the manufacturing activity of the end processor. To confirm, evidence of your training material and its delivery to Q-Mark certified manufacturers will be checked as part of the ongoing audits.

Manufacturers using cascaded evidence must understand what is required to construct the system (or part of that system) to provide the required performance characteristic, e.g. fire resistance. This would be supported by the technical manual under the responsibility of the systems house, relevant to the product and system being supplied. 

For Q-Mark certified manufacturers, evidence and receipt of training from systems houses may be requested as part of ongoing FPC audits.

SCOPE OF CERTIFICATION

As a systems house or manufacturer, will I receive a communication that I can forward to my clients explaining the differences between the scope of products covered by a new scheme and the scope of products covered by an existing scheme?

Yes. We will provide clear information to support the client journey, enabling you to explain the differences to your supply chain and the wider market.

DOORSET MARKING

Will there be a new labelling system for BM TRADA Q-Mark door schemes?

Our goal is to ensure that door labels are clear and easily understood in the marketplace. We are developing a solution that enhances existing labelling systems rather than replacing them. We are focused on working with our clients to support the continued usage of plugs while introducing a complementary digital solution.  Clients will receive an update in early 2026.

CERTIFIRE

What about Certifire?

The schemes in Certifire are being developed in parallel to accommodate EN classification of products, as well as performance against EN test standards, and will be introduced through a phased approach. As with all our new or revised certification schemes, these developments will be supported by technical information and opportunities for discussion and questions through product led sector panels. 

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE

At what point, if at all, will Warringtonfire stop creating Field of Applications and will the validity period shorten?

At present, we are continuing to provide all Field of Applications with full 5-year validity. The removal of the BS 476 series of standards is from Approved Document B (England). Although the majority of the BS 476 series will be withdrawn by BSI, it does not mean the standards cannot be used. We expect assessments of product performance outside of EN classification to continue but they will not be used to demonstrate EN classification.

I have existing BS EN test evidence. Can you tell me where the gaps are to retain my BS scope?

Yes, we can. We have a team of experts within the Warringtonfire technical team who can undertake a scope analysis and test programme to review your existing BS EN test evidence. We will provide advice on the DIAP and EXAP scope you might get and what you’ll need to test to retain all or most of your BS 476 scope. This is, however, a chargeable exercise and is applied for directly with the technical team through your BM TRADA client manager or direct to fire.resistance@warringtonfire.com. 

What can I do to speed up the process of obtaining a classification of my doorset system to EN 13501-2?

You must be able to define your required product range and desired performance (i.e. fire resistance and smoke control requirements, e.g. E60-Sa4). This will speed up the processes required to obtain the desired classification as it will allow us to navigate  your end-goal objectives using test evidence and associated EXAP rules.

How will Warringtonfire Testing and Certification Limited (t/a Warringtonfire and BM TRADA) help their customers? 

Warringtonfire Testing and Certification Limited (t/a Warringtonfire and BM TRADA), part of the Element Group, is committed to supporting our customers in obtaining the necessary scope and EN classification for their products. We are accredited to the relevant European standards, have long-standing experience of preparing extended application reports and classifying construction products using the EN 13501 series of standards, and can continue to provide the required services for testing and certifying manufacturers’ construction products. 

Is Warringtonfire Testing and Certification Limited (t/a Warringtonfire and BM TRADA) going to continue supporting third party certification of product and process?

Yes. We will continue to strongly advocate UKAS accredited third party certification of product and process as a robust means of providing added assurance of product performance beyond the minimum requirements specified in the building regulations.

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