Fire Door Regulations 2026: What UK Commercial Property Owners Must Know

Fire safety guidance in England continues to develop and 2026 introduces updates that strengthen the wider regulatory environment for building safety. The 2026 amendments to Approved Document B form part of this change and highlight the need for clear fire safety information competent installation and consistent management.

These updates do not alter fire door testing standards but they reinforce the expectations already set by the Fire Safety Order and the Building Regulations. Commercial property owners and responsible persons must ensure that fire doors meet recognised standards and remain in good working condition to prevent fire and slow the spread of fire and smoke in the event of a fire.

1. What is Changing in 2026 and How This Affects Fire Door Management

The 2026 amendments include updates for high rise residential buildings covering common stairs and evacuation lift design. These changes do not alter fire door rules but they highlight the importance of accurate fire safety information and consistent application of safety measures across all building types.

For commercial properties the 2026 update increases the focus on accurate fire safety information and evidence based management. This results in greater scrutiny of how fire doors are installed inspected and documented. These expectations support the duties already required under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 and the Building Regulations 2010.

2. The Legal Framework for Fire Doors in Commercial Buildings

Fire door responsibilities come from several pieces of legislation and guidance. These remain in force in 2026.

Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005

This is the main fire safety law for commercial buildings. It requires the responsible person to maintain fire safety measures and ensure that escape routes and fire resisting doors remain in efficient working order.

Building Regulations 2010

Fire doors support compliance with Part B including B1 for means of escape and B3 for internal fire spread. Regulation 38 requires that fire safety information is provided to the responsible person at handover.

Approved Document B

This provides guidance on how to meet the Building Regulations. It includes requirements for fire door performance placement and suitability. The 2026 update reinforces design consistency and accurate information.

BS 9999

This code of practice gives fire safety guidance for commercial buildings including recommendations on fire strategy and door performance.

BS 8214

This standard sets out good practice for the installation of timber-based fire doors. It is widely used by competent installers.

3. Understanding Fire Door Testing Standards

Fire doors in the UK can be tested to two primary standards. Both remain valid in 2026.

BS 476 Part 22

The British Standard for determining the fire resistance of non structural elements. The door set is tested for integrity and stability under controlled heating.

BS EN 1634-1

The European Standard for fire resistance and smoke control performance. This test assesses the complete door assembly under real world fire conditions.

4. Why the 2026 Environment Matters for Commercial Properties

Fire doors play a central role in preventing fire and limiting the spread of fire and smoke. They protect escape routes reduce damage and support safe evacuation of staff visitors and contractors.

As regulatory bodies place more emphasis on clear fire safety information commercial buildings must be able to show that fire doors match their certification and remain suitable.

This means responsible persons need complete documentation consistent inspection evidence and clear records of remedial work.

5. Responsibilities of the Responsible Person

The responsible person has legal duties under the Fire Safety Order. These duties include:

• Maintaining a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment
• Keeping full fire door documentation including certification installation details and maintenance history
• Ensuring that fire doors meet BS 476 or BS EN 1634-1
• Confirming that frames seals closers hinges and latches are in good condition
• Ensuring fire doors support the building’s fire strategy and evacuation plan
• Keeping Regulation 38 information updated and accessible

Regular reviews are required to ensure that fire safety measures remain effective.

6. Regulation 38 and Fire Safety Information

Regulation 38 requires that fire safety information is handed to the responsible person when building work is completed or altered. This information covers fire doors compartmentation systems and the building’s fire strategy.

The 2026 update reinforces the need for accurate and complete information. Any replacement or modification of fire doors should be reflected in updated documentation.

7. Inspection and Maintenance Expectations

Routine fire door inspection is essential for maintaining performance. Inspections should be carried out by competent persons and recorded clearly.

A fire door inspection should check:

• Door gaps and clearances
• Condition of the door leaf and frame
• Function of hinges closers and latches
• Intumescent and smoke seals
• Signs of damage or unauthorised changes
• Certification labels and hardware compatibility

Any defects should be corrected promptly to maintain fire resistance and support safe evacuation in the event of a fire.

8. Preparing Commercial Buildings for the 2026 Update

Property owners and building managers can prepare by taking practical steps.

1. Review the fire risk assessment
2. Confirm all fire door certification and documentation is complete
3. Check that fire doors meet BS 476 or BS EN 1634-1
4. Update inspection schedules and ensure competent inspectors are used
5. Train staff to identify early signs of wear or misuse
6. Ensure Regulation 38 information is clear and updated following any door work

Being proactive helps ensure compliance and supports a safer building environment.

A Note on Wider 2026 Changes

The 2026 amendments focus on means of escape in high rise residential buildings. These do not affect commercial fire door standards but they reflect a broader move toward clearer design intent stronger evacuation planning and consistent fire safety information.

Conclusion

The 2026 update reinforces the need for accurate fire safety information and competent fire door management across commercial properties.

Responsible persons must maintain clear records and ensure that fire doors are installed inspected and serviced in line with recognised British and European standards. Effective fire door management helps prevent fire protects escape routes and supports safe evacuation in the event of a fire.

If you need support with fire door inspection installation or compliance our team can help you prepare for the 2026 requirements. Contact us today for further information.