One new standard, two dates

GB 8624-2025, Classification for burning behavior of building materials and products, was published on 31 December 2025, takes effect on 1 January 2027 and fully replaces GB 8624-2012. For FRP grating projects, the key question is not only what changed but which edition applies to a given project and date.

What the standard is

• A mandatory national standard (GB) for the reaction-to-fire classification of building materials;
• Published 31 December 2025; effective 1 January 2027;
• Replaces GB 8624-2012;
• Used for material marking, incoming inspection and fire-safety approval of building projects.

Note the boundary: GB 8624 covers building materials and products. Ships and offshore projects use the IMO FTP Code and classification-society rules instead.

How the classification is used

The industry commonly refers to Class A, B1, B2 and B3 — non-combustible, flame-retardant, combustible and easily combustible. GB 8624-2025 keeps this main-grade structure and writes smoke production, burning droplets/particles and smoke toxicity into the main text as additional dimensions, producing a “main grade plus additional grades” expression. The criteria, test methods and marking requirements are governed by the standard text itself.

Main changes in the 2025 edition

According to the foreword and published interpretations, the edition contains 21 technical changes, summarised as wider scope, finer categories, more dimensions and stronger application:

• Wider scope — from building materials and products to decorative materials and non-metallic materials for equipment components;
• Finer categories — new requirements for roof coverings, insulation materials split into wall, roof, floor, sandwich-panel and pipe sub-categories, and new requirements for photovoltaic modules;
• More dimensions — smoke production, burning droplets/particles and smoke toxicity are written into the main text;
• Stronger application — a new chapter on applying classification results, with changes to grade expression, marking and reports;
• Supporting methods — additional test-method standards for the new product categories.

The practical consequence: fire test reports issued to the old edition may not map directly to the new grade expression, and supplementary testing or re-classification may be needed.

What it means for FRP grating

When FRP grating is used for building platforms, walkways or drainage covers, the design documents usually specify Class B1 or B2 flame retardancy. After the new edition takes effect:

• Projects started or submitted for approval before 1 January 2027 normally remain under GB 8624-2012; the contract and local fire authority requirements govern;
• New projects after 1 January 2027 should follow the GB 8624-2025 classification and marking;
• Projects crossing the transition should state the edition in the technical agreement so supply and acceptance use the same basis;
• Supplier test reports should be traceable to the edition, product category, thickness and installation method.

Procurement checklist

• Does the report cite GB 8624-2012 or GB 8624-2025?
• Does the product category match the actual use of the grating (flat material, flooring material or other)?
• Does the grade expression include the additional grades (smoke, droplets, toxicity)?
• Do the thickness, substrate and mounting in the report match what is supplied?
• Is supplementary testing required under the new edition?

Edition history

GB 8624-2025 was published on 31 December 2025, becomes effective on 1 January 2027 and fully replaces GB 8624-2012. As of publication, the 2012 edition still applies during the transition. The official text and formal interpretations issued by the standards body govern.

Where to find it

The official entry is in the Niteck FRP grating standards library. For flame-retardant product data, see FRP grating specifications; for stair and anti-slip applications, see anti-slip grating and stair treads, for checking against project conditions.

This article explains the standard and does not replace its text; the current edition and local fire-approval rules govern all criteria, methods and marking.