UK fire curtain guidance updated as BS 8524 series is republished

Updated BS 8524 publication for fire curtains confirmed

The Association For Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has commented on the republication of the BS 8524 series for active fire curtain barriers, following release by the British Standards Institution (BSI) on Friday 21 November 2025.

The ASFP said the revised suite updates the UK’s standards for the design, specification, testing, application, installation and maintenance of active fire curtain assemblies.

It said the update followed an extended delay linked to concerns about scope overlap with a related BS EN designated product standard, which it said have now been resolved.

The series has two parts, comprising Part 1 on product specifications and performance requirements and Part 2 on a code of practice covering application, installation, commissioning and maintenance.

Where the fire curtain standard applies

The ASFP said BS 8524-1:2025 sets requirements for the design, testing and classification of active fire curtain barrier assemblies.

It said performance criteria cover reliability and durability, fire resistance, smoke containment, force-gauge resistance and the performance of control devices and ancillary equipment.

The ASFP said the standard applies to active fire curtain barrier assemblies made of any material, intended to provide fire resistance in most end-use applications.

It said the standard does not apply to barriers forming part of a building’s structure.

It also said it does not apply to theatre or proscenium textile curtains, fabrics for curtains, drapes and blinds, smoke barriers or operable fabric curtains used in retail settings for pedestrian access.

Scope clashes and EN 16034 clarified

The ASFP said industry debate has continued over the interaction between BS 8524-1 and the harmonised European Standard EN 16034, which it said is designated in the UK as BS EN 16034.

It said the redrafting work sought to address the scope clash and differentiate applications where each standard is appropriate.

The ASFP said BS 8524 includes testing requirements that it described as unique and more stringent, including cycle testing and independent ‘hot’ motor testing.

It said these elements are not covered within EN 16034, except in specific cases such as pedestrian door set applications installed in shopping malls where it said the EN standard is a legal requirement.

The ASFP added that the revised BS 8524 references ISO 21524, which it described as a new international standard for fire curtains, including updated test methods for features such as vision panels.

Certification route and UKAS accreditation

The ASFP said a lack of UKAS-accredited third-party certification schemes has been a challenge for compliance since the withdrawal of previous bodies in 2023.

It said UL has now achieved UKAS accreditation to certify products to BS 8524-2013 and is accepting new applications.

The organisation described this as an important step for consistent, independent verification of product performance.

Mike Ward, Managing Director of the ASFP, commented: “The release of the 2025 versions of the BS 8524 series marks a pivotal moment for the fire safety sector.

“After a prolonged period of confusion and inconsistency, the industry now has a clear and robust framework for the specification and testing of active fire curtain barriers.

“This update strengthens alignment with international standards, restores a vital third-party certification pathway, and provides the clarity that manufacturers, installers, regulators, and ultimately end users have urgently needed.

“The ASFP strongly welcomes this revision and encourages all stakeholders to adopt and apply the updated requirements without delay.”

What this means for specification and compliance

Fire engineering consultants, architects and building services engineers may need to check which end-use applications fall under BS 8524-1:2025 versus BS EN 16034, based on the differentiated scopes described by the ASFP.

Manufacturers and installers of active fire curtain barriers may need to align product testing, installation, commissioning and maintenance practices with the republished Part 1 and Part 2 requirements.

Standards and certification bodies, along with procurement and specification teams, may also need to factor in the UKAS-accredited certification route referenced by the ASFP, including UL’s ability to certify products to BS 8524-2013 while new applications are accepted.