- Under the new EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1681 fire dampers must now be tested from both sides
- For years, fire dampers were classified according to ‘fire direction’, with ratings such as (i→o) and (o→i)
- Under the new rules, those directional sub-classifications are no longer valid
A major shake-up in European fire testing rules is set to extend far beyond the EU – and the effects are likely to be felt strongly across the Middle East.
Under the new EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1681, which came into force on 4 September 2025, fire dampers must now be tested from both sides.
The update to the classification framework under EN 13501-3:2025 might sound technical, but for manufacturers, regulators and project teams, it’s a welcome change.
For years, fire dampers were classified according to ‘fire direction’, with ratings such as (i→o) and (o→i) indicating whether performance was tested from inside to outside or the other way round. However, under the new rules, those directional sub-classifications are no longer valid.
In simple terms, ‘fire direction’ should no longer appear in classifications. Instead, manufacturers must clearly show that their products have been tested from both sides, and this must be explicitly stated in classification reports and certificates. Existing certificates will need to be updated.
There has already been some confusion, because EN 15650:2010 still references the older EN 13501-3:2005 standard, which included the directional categories. However, the European Commission has made it clear that regulations take precedence over standards. That means the (i→o) classification is no longer acceptable, and market surveillance authorities and notified bodies are expected to enforce this position.
Another important change is the requirement to state the orientation of the damper blade axis – whether it is horizontal or vertical – within the classification. Certificates issued under EN 15650:2010 must now be revised to include this detail. While it may appear minor, it brings performance claims closer to real-world installation conditions, giving designers and fire engineers clearer information when specifying products.
Although these changes apply directly within the European Union, the Middle East will not be insulated from their impact. Many Gulf and wider regional markets align their building codes and product acceptance criteria with European standards. CE-marked products are commonly specified in high-rise towers, airports, hospitals and major infrastructure projects throughout the region.
As a result, the removal of directional classifications is likely to trigger reviews of local approval systems, particularly where older documentation referencing (i→o) ratings is still in use. Manufacturers exporting to both Europe and the Middle East will need to ensure their certification portfolios are fully updated and harmonised. If not, they could face delays in approvals or questions at project level.
In countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where fire and life safety enforcement has become increasingly rigorous, authorities are expected to take note of the European Commission’s clarification. Compliance checks – particularly for imported products – may become more strict.
From a safety perspective, many in the industry see the move as raising the bar. Fire dampers play a critical role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke through ventilation systems. Testing from both sides removes ambiguity and ensures performance regardless of where a fire originates, which is crucial for modern buildings.
For the Middle East, where megaprojects, mixed-use skyscrapers and major transport hubs are reshaping city skylines, the emphasis on clarity and resilience aligns with broader regulatory trends. As buildings grow taller and denser, and as climate and safety risks intensify, regulators are increasingly focused on eliminating grey areas in performance claims.
That said, the transition will not be seamless. Manufacturers may need to re-test products, revise technical documentation and update certificates. Certification bodies will face a wave of administrative changes, and consultants may have to revisit specifications already issued.
As enforcement gains its pace into 2026, the likely outcome is closer alignment between European and Middle Eastern fire safety expectations, something that may see positive change.
