A major update to the European cladding fire safety standard will take effect in January 2026, introducing stricter rules for testing and performance.

After European tragedies like Grenfell in London and major fires in Paris and Milan, it’s become clear that the current rules aren’t enough. Regulators are now closing these gaps with stricter testing.

The European Fire Safety Alliance shows that every year, an estimated 5,000 people lose their lives in residential fires across Europe.

So, what’s changing?

• New version of EN 13501-1 (the fire classification standard for construction products, including cladding.)
• Tighter testing criteria, to reduce risk.
  

For the first time, visual assessments will be phased out and replaced by a temperature-based system, using a threshold of 270°C to determine whether a material passes or fails. This shift aims to make testing more objective and consistent, reducing disputes over borderline cases.

The revised standard will test cladding on three key types of base material - expanded polystyrene (EPS), low-density insulation, and particleboard - to better understand how it performs in real-world conditions. It also introduces more flexibility in how materials can be installed and makes it easier to incorporate sustainable, bio-based products without compromising safety.

Why It Matters:

• Designed to prevent tragedies linked to unsafe cladding.
• Ensures greater consistency in how materials are tested and certified.
• Places accountability on manufacturers, importers, and suppliers to ensure that only compliant materials enter the European market.
• Helps architects, developers, and building owners make safer material choices with greater confidence.
• Manufacturers will benefit from reduced duplication, as one test can cover multiple materials and installation methods, while bio-based materials can be swapped between suppliers more easily.

The FIA highlights this as a significant shift for the industry, urging businesses to prepare early for compliance. Delaying action could risk project setbacks, non-compliance penalties, or even product withdrawal from the market.

The change will affect a wide range of stakeholders. Manufacturers of cladding, insulation, and other fire-critical building products will need to adapt quickly, while construction companies and contractors must ensure their projects are aligned with the new rules. Architects, designers, and developers will also be directly impacted, as material specifications become more tightly regulated. Regulators and inspectors will have a greater role in enforcement, while insurers and property managers will increasingly view fire classification as a critical factor in risk assessments and premiums.

There will be multiple implications: Companies will need to adapt supply chains and product testing before 2026. There may be potential cost increases, but long-term gains in safety and trust. Lastly, it could drive innovation in safer, more sustainable cladding materials.

Stay ahead of the changes - follow key updates and prepare your compliance strategy before the January 2026 deadline.

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