The timescale for the introduction of CE marking for fire resisting doorsets and shutters has finally been announced. The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) says it welcomes the long-awaited announcement after a lengthy period of uncertainty within the door industry.
Compulsory CE marking of external pedestrian doorsets was introduced in 2013 when the Construction Products Regulations became law, but fire resisting doorsets and shutters could not be CE marked until the harmonised standard for those products became available.
Now the timescale of CE Marking to EN 16034:2014 has been defined by the European Commission. From 1 December, 2015, new fire resisting doorsets and shutters complying with the new standard can be voluntarily CE marked.
There follows a three year period of coexistence during which fire resisting doorsets and shutters that are not CE marked can continue to be supplied alongside CE marked products.
After 30 November 2018, all fire resisting doorsets and shutters supplied in the EU (including the UK) must be CE marked in compliance with the standard.
Said Michael Skelding, general manager and secretary of the DHF: “We welcome this announcement. There have been years of debate leading up to the announcement over timescales and so the decision brings an end to the uncertainty surrounding the issue.
“In line with our commitment to raising standards in the industry we have supported the introduction of CE marking and have been giving our members guidance and support on CE marking.”
Before a door company can CE mark fire-resisting doorsets and shutters, they must carry out product testing, implement a factory production control system, obtain product certification from a notified body and issue Declarations of Performance.
Technical guides and comprehensive information on CE marking is available from the DHF website.
For more information, go to www.dhfonline.org.uk
