Fire Door Certification Labels

Fire door certification labels are permanent identification markings fitted to certified fire doors in the UK. They provide traceable evidence that a door has been independently tested and approved to resist fire — and, where applicable, smoke — for a specified period.

This article explains where certification labels are found, what the information on them means, the difference between fire door ratings like FD30 and FD60, and why these labels matter for safety and regulation.

Where Fire Door Certification Labels Are Found

A certified fire door will normally carry at least one permanent identification label or certification plug. This marking provides traceable evidence of the door’s fire rating and manufacturer details.

Certification labels may be metallic, paper-based beneath a protective film, or in the form of a small coloured plastic plug inserted into the edge of the door.

They are typically located in one of the following positions:

• The top edge of the door leaf (most common location)
• The hanging (vertical) edge of the door
• As an identification plug fitted into the door edge

Installation and identification should align with the manufacturer’s certification and recognised guidance such as BS 8214 (Timber-based fire door assemblies – Code of practice).

Labels should be legible, unobscured by paint or stickers, and left intact. Certification labels and plugs must not be removed, painted over or damaged, as this can invalidate traceability and make compliance difficult to demonstrate.

If a door has no visible label or plug, it may not be possible to confirm that it is a certified fire door without further investigation.

What If a Fire Door Has No Certification Label?

If a fire door has no visible certification label or identification plug, it may not be possible to confirm that it is a certified fire door without further investigation.

In such cases, building owners may need to consult installation records, manufacturer documentation or seek specialist assessment. In some situations, replacement may be the safest and most compliant option.

What Information Appears on a Certification Label?

Fire door labels typically include:

• The fire resistance rating (e.g., FD30, FD60)
• Manufacturer name and contact information
• Certificate number or unique serial number
• Third-party accreditation scheme (e.g., CERTIFIRE, Q-Mark)
• Year of manufacture

These details make it possible to trace the door back to its test evidence and confirm that it has been manufactured and supplied in accordance with the recognised test standard.

Understanding Fire Door Ratings on Labels

The fire resistance rating portion of the label (such as FD30 or FD60) indicates the minimum period the door has been tested to withstand fire conditions:

• FD30 – tested to provide 30 minutes’ resistance to fire.
• FD60 – tested to provide 60 minutes’ resistance to fire.
• FD30S / FD60S – the ‘S’ indicates additional smoke control performance in addition to fire resistance.

The rating applies to the complete doorset (door leaf, frame, seals, hardware and glazing) as tested under recognised standards such as BS 476 Part 22 or BS EN 1634-1.

Third-Party Certification Schemes and Identification Plugs

In addition to a printed label, some fire doors may use certification plugs — small inserts fitted into holes on the door edge that communicate certification status.

Recognised third-party certification schemes such as CERTIFIRE and BM TRADA Q-Mark involve independent testing and ongoing factory production control audits. This provides greater assurance than self-declaration alone.

For example, Q-Mark identification plugs use colour coded markers to indicate:

• The fire rating (based on colour) such as FD30, FD60, etc.
• The status of manufacture and certification body

These plugs are used by some accredited manufacturers to provide an additional visual cue that the door is compliant.

Why Certification Labels Matter for Compliance

Certification labels are not a decorative accessory — they provide evidence that the door has been independently verified to pass fire resistance tests.

Fire-resisting doors protecting escape routes and compartmentation are expected to perform as tested under Building Regulations guidance such as Approved Document B.

Fire doors are expected to perform as tested, and certification labels help demonstrate that the door assembly matches its tested configuration.

Without a proper label or traceable certificate:

• You cannot be sure the door meets its fire rating
• The door may fail compliance checks under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Enforcement action could be taken if fire doors are found without valid certification

In practice, checking for correct certification labels should be part of routine fire door inspections and surveys.

How to Check Fire Door Labels During Inspection

When carrying out a fire door inspection:

1. Locate the certification label or plug – usually on the top edge or hanging edge of the door.
2. Verify the rating (e.g., FD30, FD60) matches the fire risk assessment requirements.
3. Check the certification number – this can usually be cross-referenced with third-party certification databases.
4. Ensure all components are compliant – frame, seals, glazing, hardware, and any penetrations.

If any label is missing, damaged, illegible or incorrect based on the door’s use, this should be recorded and remediated.

Missing or illegible labels are commonly recorded as defects during structured inspections and may appear alongside other fire door defects.

Conclusion

Fire door certification labels are not simply markings — they are formal proof that a fire door assembly has been independently tested and verified to meet recognised fire resistance standards.

Checking and recording certification labels should be part of regular fire door inspections. If you need help assessing the fire doors in your building, see our Fire Door Inspections & Surveys page for professional support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if a door is a certified fire door?

A certified fire door will normally have a permanent identification label or plug fitted to the top edge or hanging edge of the door. This label displays the fire rating (such as FD30 or FD60), manufacturer details and certification information. Without this identification, it may be difficult to verify that the door meets fire resistance requirements.

What does FD30 or FD60 mean on a fire door label?

FD30 indicates that the door has been tested to provide at least 30 minutes of fire resistance. FD60 indicates 60 minutes of fire resistance. Where the label includes an “S” (e.g. FD30S), this means the door also provides tested smoke control performance.

Are fire door certification labels a legal requirement?

While legislation may not prescribe the exact format of a label, fire doors must be able to demonstrate compliance with recognised fire resistance standards. Certification labels provide traceable evidence that the door has been independently tested and approved, supporting compliance under UK fire safety law.

What happens if a fire door label is missing?

If a certification label is missing or illegible, it can be difficult to confirm the door’s fire rating and compliance. During inspections, missing labels are often recorded as a defect and may require further investigation or replacement of the door.

Where are fire door labels usually located?

Certification labels are typically fitted to the top edge of the door leaf, although they may also appear on the hanging edge or as a coloured identification plug inserted into the door edge.

Are fire door labels checked during inspections?

Yes. Fire door inspections normally include checking for the presence and legibility of certification labels, verifying the fire rating, and ensuring the door assembly matches its tested specification.