Key data
| Regulation | Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/557 of 16 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| CELEX Reference | 32026R0557 |
| Publication | 3 June 2026 |
| Entry into force | Not specified in the regulation |
| Affected parties | Manufacturers, distributors and specifiers of construction products with fire resistance requirements |
| Category | Regulatory Changes — European Regulation |
| Higher regulatory framework | Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 of the European Parliament and of the Council |
If you manufacture, distribute or specify construction products that must comply with fire resistance requirements, this regulation affects you directly. The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/557, published on 3 June 2026, establishes harmonised performance classes for the essential characteristic of fire resistance, completing the framework of Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 on construction products.
European harmonisation facilitates the free movement of products in the single market, but in return requires strict compliance with the new classification parameters. Products already on the market that do not conform to the new classes will need documentary review and, in many cases, new tests.
What does this regulation establish?
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/557 completes Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 on construction products, adding the specific technical development for the essential characteristic of fire resistance. Specifically:
- Defines harmonised performance classes for the fire resistance of construction products.
- Establishes the technical criteria that manufacturers must meet in order to market their products in the European single market.
- Requires these classes to be reflected in the technical data sheets, performance declarations and CE marking of each product.
- Harmonises classification parameters at European level, replacing or complementing previous national criteria.
The regulation acts as a delegated standard of Regulation (EU) 2024/3110, which means that compliance with it is mandatory for all economic operators wishing to maintain access to the EU single market.
Economic and operational impact
The impact of this regulation is not merely documentary. It affects processes, costs and time to market. The main operational and economic effects are:
| Area of impact | Description of effect |
|---|---|
| Testing and recertification | Products already on the market may require new tests to certify their classification under the new performance classes |
| Technical documentation | Review and update of technical data sheets and performance declarations to reflect the new classes |
| CE marking | Update of CE marking to include the new fire resistance classification |
| Catalogues and specifications | Distributors and specifiers must update their product catalogues and technical specifications |
| Access to the single market | Harmonisation facilitates free movement in the EU, but only for products that meet the new parameters |
The specific costs of testing and recertification will depend on the type of product, the accredited laboratory and the number of affected references. The regulation does not set amounts, but recertification of a range of products can represent a significant investment in time and technical resources.
Who does it affect?
- Manufacturers of construction products with fire resistance requirements: obliged to adapt technical data sheets, performance declarations and CE marking to the new classes.
- Distributors of these products: must update catalogues and ensure that the products they market comply with the new classification.
- Specifiers (architects, engineers, technical offices): must update their technical specifications and conditions of contract to reference the new performance classes.
- Importers of construction products from third countries wishing to market them in the EU.
- Certification bodies and accredited testing laboratories for evaluating the fire resistance of construction products.
Practical example
A Spanish manufacturer of facade panels with fire resistance classification currently has its product certified under the criteria prior to Regulation (EU) 2024/3110. With the entry into force of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/557, it must:
- Review whether the current classification of its product fits into the new harmonised performance classes defined by the regulation.
- If the classification is not directly equivalent, commission new tests from an accredited laboratory to obtain the correct classification under the new system.
- Update the product's performance declaration to reflect the new fire resistance class.
- Modify the CE marking and technical data sheets of all affected products.
- Communicate the changes to its distributors and customers so they can update their catalogues and specifications.
This process may affect the manufacturer's entire product range if it markets multiple references with different fire resistance requirements.
What should companies do now?
- Identify affected products: Review the complete catalogue and determine which references have fire resistance requirements and therefore fall within the scope of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/557.
- Analyse classification equivalence: Compare the current classifications of each product with the new harmonised performance classes to detect whether there is direct correspondence or if new tests are required.
- Plan testing and recertification: For products that do not fit directly into the new classes, contact accredited laboratories and plan the necessary tests with sufficient advance notice.
- Update technical documentation: Review and update technical data sheets, performance declarations and CE marking to reflect the new fire resistance classes.
- Inform the distribution chain: Communicate the changes to distributors and specifiers so they can update catalogues, technical specifications and conditions of contract.
- Consult with a specialist technician: Since the technical criteria are specific to each product type, it is advisable to seek qualified technical advice to ensure correct classification.
Frequently asked questions
What construction products are affected by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/557?
All construction products for which fire resistance is an essential characteristic and which are marketed in the European single market are affected. The regulation establishes harmonised performance classes for this characteristic, so any manufacturer, distributor or specifier working with this type of product must review their situation.
How much can it cost to adapt products to the new fire resistance classes?
The regulation does not set specific amounts. Costs depend on the number of affected references, the type of product and whether the current classification is directly equivalent to the new classes or if new tests in an accredited laboratory are required. Manufacturers with extensive product ranges may face significant recertification costs.
When does Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/557 enter into force?
The date of entry into force is not specified in the available data on the regulation. The regulation was published on 3 June 2026. It is recommended to consult the full text in the official source of EUR-Lex to find out the exact application deadlines.
What do I need to update in the CE marking of my products?
According to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/557, the CE marking must reflect the new fire resistance classification in accordance with the harmonised performance classes established by the standard. This involves reviewing and, if necessary, modifying both the CE marking and the performance declarations and technical data sheets of each affected product.
Do distributors and specifiers also have obligations under this regulation?
Yes. Distributors must update their catalogues to reflect the new fire resistance classes of the products they market. Specifiers (architects, engineers, technicians) must update their technical specifications and conditions of contract to correctly reference the new harmonised performance classes.
Official source
Consult the complete regulation in the official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026R0557