“Our fire testing laboratory is accredited by ENAC to carry out fire resistance tests”
New regulation on fire resistance and reaction to fire in the construction sector
Scope and classification system of new Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/557
The regulation defines the performance classes applicable to a wide range of construction products and systems, including load-bearing structural elements, partitions, façades, fire doors, penetration seals, ventilation ducts, smoke control systems, chimneys and electrical installations, among others.
Classifications continue to be expressed using the technical designations widely recognised within the industry—R, RE, REI, EI, EW and E—along with the corresponding fire resistance ratings, which generally range from 15 to 360 minutes.
European regulatory framework and Delegated Regulations 2026/557 and 2026/331
Commission Delegated Regulations (EU) 2026/557 (16 March 2026), which supplements Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 of the European Parliament and of the Council in setting out performance classes in relation to the essential characteristics of fire resistance, and 2026/331 (13 February 2026), which supplements Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 of the European Parliament and of the Council in setting out performance classes in relation to the essential characteristics of reaction to fire, are two complementary pillars of the new regulatory framework provided by Regulation (EU) 2024/3110, as they set out the performance classes for the two essential characteristics that determine the fire performance of construction products.
Entry into force and scope of the regulations: reaction to fire and fire resistance
The delegated regulation on reaction to fire, which came into force on 11 May 2026, defines how materials should be classified based on their contribution to fire, while the new Delegated Regulation on fire resistance, which will come into force on 23 June 2026, sets out the classes that apply to construction elements and systems based on their ability to maintain their integrity and functionality during a fire.
Together, these two delegated regulations provide a harmonised, consistent framework that makes it easier to declare the performance of products and strengthens fire safety in the built environment.
One of the most significant aspects of this adoption of the delegated regulation on fire resistance is that it maintains continuity with the classification system used to date under the previous Regulation 305/2011. This ensures that the expertise accumulated by manufacturers, notified bodies, laboratories, designers and national authorities is preserved, thereby avoiding unnecessary disruption as we move towards the new European regulatory model.
European Commission strategy on fire response, fire resistance and fire performance
The publication of this delegated regulation also confirms the European Commission’s strategy to progressively develop the essential horizontal characteristics set out in the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR), which includes reaction to fire, fire resistance and external fire performance. These characteristics are key to ensuring the safety of buildings and protection of people against the risk of fire.
Legal basis and transition to the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR)
Although the new Construction Products Regulation will become fully operational gradually, as future harmonised technical specifications are developed, this delegated regulation provides the legal basis required for the harmonised declaration of fire resistance performance within the new system.
Impact of the new regulation on manufacturers and the market
This measure should provide manufacturers of construction products with legal certainty, technical continuity and greater standardisation across the European market, while also increasing the transparency of information on performance and strengthening confidence in the products used in buildings and infrastructure.
Importance of the regulation in implementing the Construction Products Regulation
The adoption of this delegated regulation marks a further step in the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 on Construction Products, by providing a harmonised framework for declaring the fire resistance performance of construction products. The regulation ensures the technical continuity of the classification system currently in use and helps to strengthen regulatory consistency in the European single market during the transition to the new CPR.
TECNALIA’s role in the new context
TECNALIA is strengthening its role in this context as an ENAC-accredited fire laboratory for carrying out fire resistance and reaction to fire tests, providing technical support to manufacturers of construction products, property developers, construction companies, architectural firms, engineering firms and other players in accordance with the relevant European regulations.
Our testing and assessment capabilities will help the sector adapt to the new regulatory framework outlined in the Construction Products Regulation and ensure safety in the event of fire in buildings and infrastructure.