What supporting evidence is required for third-party fire certification?

In the context of increased regulatory focus and proposed reform of the UK construction products regime, there is an increased emphasis on the transparency and traceability of the technical evidence used within third-party certification schemes. For certification bodies, stakeholders and manufacturers alike, visibility of this evidence and confidence in how it has been generated and applied are crucial.

This article, drawing on Warringtonfire Testing and Certification Limited’s (WTCL) requirements, explains minimum criteria and how it is assessed.

Certifire, Warringtonfire’s leading third-party certification scheme, provides independent assurance of the fire performance of construction products across the UK and international markets. Through fire testing, technical evaluation, ongoing Factory Production Control evaluation and audit testing, Certifire helps manufacturers and specifiers demonstrate compliance in product performance.  

Core components of effective supporting evidence in third-party certification

Robust third-party certification schemes rely on effective supporting evidence to verify that construction products consistently achieve the performance stated by the manufacturer. This evidence should demonstrably meet the following criteria:

• It is appropriate to the product and accurately reflects its intended use and application.
• It has been generated by competent, impartial and accredited bodies with regulatory and technical expertise.
• It is based on transparent and verified evidence that can be clearly understood and requested for validation.
• It is based on appropriate product sampling, ensuring that test evidence is representative of the tested specimens, their processes, components and the products placed on the market.

Technical guidance on supporting evidence

WTCL has developed technical information sheets that provide guidance on the minimum criteria applied to supporting evidence used within its third-party certification schemes. This guidance explains how test evidence, classifications, sampling activities and related documentation are assessed for certification, and how they support initial certification, extensions to scope and the ongoing surveillance of product performance.

Fire performance evidence may be generated and classified under different frameworks. To reflect this, WTCL has produced separate but closely aligned technical information sheets that cover the minimum criteria for supporting evidence as appropriate.

By setting out clear expectations for supporting evidence, these technical information sheets are intended to: promote transparency and consistency in the use of fire test evidence; help stakeholders understand what evidence is acceptable within certification; and align certification practices with applicable standards and industry guidance.

These sheets provide a reference point for manufacturers preparing evidence for WTCL certification (which includes Certifire).

Specific detail on the supporting evidence required is given in each scheme’s technical document.

Understanding what constitutes robust supporting evidence is an essential foundation for manufacturers seeking or maintaining third-party fire certification. As the UK's regulatory landscape evolves, the transparency and traceability of this evidence will only become more important. WTCL's technical information sheets are designed to help manufacturers navigate these requirements with confidence. For more information on Certifire certification services or to discuss your specific product evidence requirements, explore our fire certification and testing services, or contact the Warringtonfire team directly.

EN Classification using the EN 13501 series: Minimum criteria for Certification and Technical Services

This sheet applies where construction products are classified in accordance with the EN 13501 series of European fire classification standards. It explains how supporting evidence is assessed for certification purposes when performance is expressed using EN 13501 classifications, including the role of classification reports and extended fields of application.

Download this Technical Information Sheet

British and European Normative test standards (outside of EN 13501 classification series)

Minimum criteria for Certification and Technical Services: This sheet applies where fire performance evidence is not classified using the EN 13501 series. It sets out the principles applied by WTCL when determining whether supporting test evidence and associated documentation are suitable for use within third-party certification schemes.

Download this Technical Information Sheet