Fast facts: Upcoming UK fire regulation changes (2029)
New fire safety regulations will be in place by 2029, bringing dramatic changes to the design and installation of fl2ue systems in all building types across the UK.
The updates form part of a wider revamp of Approved Document B: Fire Safety – designed to improve fire resistance, eliminate outdated standards, and keep pace with modern building methods.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s changing, when it’s happening, and what you’ll need to do to stay compliant.
Why the changes are happening
Following recent high-profile tragedies, including the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the UK government is tightening fire containment legislation to improve occupant safety, and ensure new building products – and especially those in sustainable buildings – have robust fire performance specifications.
One of the notable changes is the replacement of the old BS 476 fire test standard with the more internationally recognised European EN 13501 classification, which is also more stringent.
Besides this, mandatory fitting of carbon monoxide alarms on all new flued combustion appliance installations will be brought in.
Key updates from 2025 to 2029
Compulsory sprinkler systems (2025)
From 2025, all new care homes will have compulsory sprinkler systems. Older forms of fire testing will also begin to be replaced by this time.
Second staircases in high-rises (2026)
By 2026, all residential buildings above 18 meters will need a second staircase in an effort to enhance evacuation safety.
EN 13501 becomes mandatory (2029)
By 2029, all materials used in flue installations must meet the EN 13501 fire classification, replacing BS 476 in full. This affects the design, materials, and installation procedures for flues across all sectors.
What this means for flue installations
From small houses up to industrial locations, the legislation calls for stricter fireproof and material specifications for flue gear.
Residential buildings
- Homes and bungalows – Flue wall or casing to be non-combustible and of not less than 30 minutes of fire resistance.
- Flats and apartments – Wherever flues are going through compartment walls, fire-stoping will be necessary to restrict fire spreading from one home to another.
- High-rise buildings – External flues will have to comply with new cladding requirements for buildings above 11m and can use only non-combustible materials.
Commercial properties
- Offices and retail units – Flues must not block escape routes and must be lined with fire-resistance-approved materials.
- Hotels, schools, hospitals – Where flues are used for kitchen extraction or heating, expect more stringent controls on intumescent seals and fire-rated enclosures.
Industrial sites
- Factories and warehouses – Flues must be fitted with certified fire collars and dampers where they pass through compartments.
- Power and processing plants – Flues and chimneys should be made of fire-rated steel or concrete to prevent them from collapsing during a fire.
What about existing flue installations
The 2029 fire regulation changes focus mainly on new build and major refurbishment, but existing flue systems should not be ignored. Though full retrofitting is not necessary, landlords and building owners should thoroughly inspect existing flues, especially where they pass through compartment walls or outdated materials.
Fire risk assessments can spot as possible vulnerabilities. Installing certified fire collars or replacing insulation that isn’t compliant are some of the ways to make your property safer and future-proof.
Key compliance measures
Post-2029, the following will be required for all new or modified flue installations:
- Non-combustible flue materials – Must meet Euroclass A1 or A2 fire resistance.
- Sealed penetrations – Wall and ceiling penetrations for flues must be sealed with tested fire-stopping materials (e.g. instrument collars or wraps).
- Plastic flue limitations – PVC or plastic flues may only be used if they are protected by a certified firestop system.
- Regulation 38 documentation – All flue systems must be fully documented for handover, inspection, and maintenance purposes.
How to prepare for 2029
With the new regulations just a few years away, now is the time to act:
- Stay up to date – Builders, engineers, and HVAC professionals should familiarise themselves with EN 13501 and modern fire safety best practices.
- Involve Building Control early – Developers and contractors should consult with Building Control before starting work to avoid delays.
- Keep clients informed – Installers and suppliers should educate customers on how these regulations might impact their future projects.
The final word on the 2029 fire safety regulations
The 2029 fire regulation changes are a major step forward in terms of safety, especially for flue systems. The new rules bring UK standards in line with worldwide best practices and reflect the growing focus on sustainability, fire resistance, and people protection.
Whether you’re designing, building or maintaining properties, preparing now will help ensure a smooth transition and long-term compliance.
At Jeremias, we have over 40 years of expertise. We can make sure that before these regulations come in, you are fully prepared and ensure that you comply with the new regulations.