CE vs UL vs ANSI/BHMA: Which Certification Do You Need?

Introduction: Why Certification Choice Matters in Door Hardware

In the global door hardware industry, certification is not optional — it is a regulatory and engineering requirement.

However, many project teams still ask the same question:

Do we need CE, UL, or ANSI/BHMA certification?

The answer depends on market location, building codes, fire safety requirements, and project type. Each certification system serves a different purpose, and misunderstanding their roles can lead to project rejection, inspection failure, or legal risk.

This article provides a technical and regulatory comparison of CE, UL, and ANSI/BHMA, helping engineers, QC teams, and procurement professionals determine which certification is required — and when multiple certifications are necessary.

Overview of the Three Certification Systems

System	Primary    Function	Region
CE Marking	Regulatory compliance under EU law	Europe / CE markets
UL Certification	Fire & life safety listing	North America & global
ANSI/BHMA	Mechanical performance &   durability	North America

CE Certification: Legal Market Access in Europe

What CE Really Means

CE marking is a legal requirement, not a quality label.

For door hardware used on fire-resisting or smoke control doors, CE marking is governed by the Construction Products Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 (CPR).

Key CE-Related Standards for Door Hardware - CE Door Hardware

• ◆EN 1935 – Butt hinges and 3D adjustable concealed hinges

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• ◆EN 12209  – Locks 

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• ◆EN 1154 – Door closers

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• ◆EN 1125 – Panic exit devices

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• ◆EN 1906 – Door handles

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• ◆EN 1303 – Lock cylinder

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• ◆EN 1634 – Fire and smoke control characteristics

• ◆EN 1670 – Corrosion resistance

Engineering Implications

• •CE marking confirms essential characteristics, not product superiority

• •Products must be tested by a Notified Body

• •Performance is declared via DoP (Declaration of Performance)

Without CE marking, hardware cannot be legally placed on the EU market for regulated applications.

UL Certification: Fire and Life Safety Assurance

What UL Focuses On

UL certification verifies fire performance and life safety, especially for products used in fire-rated door assemblies.

Common UL Standards for Door Hardware

• ◆UL 10C  – Fire tests of door assemblies (positive pressure)

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• ◆UL 305  – Panic hardware

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• ◆UL listings for hardware components

Engineering Implications

• •Hardware is evaluated within a fire door system

• •Focuses on fire endurance, structural integrity, and      functional reliability

• •UL listings are commonly required by AHJs      (Authorities Having Jurisdiction)

UL certification is often mandatory for commercial buildings, hospitals, and high-rise projects.

ANSI/BHMA: Performance and Durability Benchmark

What ANSI/BHMA Measures

ANSI/BHMA standards focus on mechanical performance, including:

• •Cycle life

• •Load resistance

• •Operational force

• •Abuse resistance

Key ANSI/BHMA Standards

• ◆A156.1  – Hinges

• ◆A156.2  – Bored and mortise locks

• ◆A156.4  – Door closers

• ◆A156.3  – Exit devices

Grade System Explained

Grade	Typical    Use
Grade 1	Heavy-duty commercial
Grade 2	Standard commercial
Grade 3	Residential / light duty

Engineering Implications

• •ANSI/BHMA is voluntary, not regulatory

• •Widely used by specifiers to ensure long-term durability

• •Complements UL fire listings

Key Differences: CE vs UL vs ANSI/BHMA

Aspect	CE	UL	ANSI/BHMA
Legal requirement	Yes (EU)	No (but code-driven)	No
Fire testing	Via EN 16034	UL 10C	Not primary
Mechanical durability	Limited	Limited	Core focus
Market access	Europe	North America	North America
System vs component	System-based	System-based	Component-based

Which Certification Do You Actually Need?

Scenario 1: European Fire Door Project

Required:

• •CE marking (EN + EN 1634)

Recommended:

• •Higher EN durability grades (e.g. EN 1935 Grade 13)

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Scenario 2: U.S. Commercial Fire Door

Required:

• •UL listed hardware (UL 10C)

Recommended:

• •ANSI/BHMA Grade 1

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Scenario 3: International / Export Projects

Best Practice:

• •CE + UL + ANSI/BHMA

This ensures:

• •Regulatory access

• •Fire safety compliance

• •Long-term durability

Common Misunderstandings

❌ CE replaces UL → False
❌ UL equals durability → False
❌ ANSI/BHMA is optional everywhere → Context-dependent

Each system addresses different risk factors.

Engineering Decision Framework

Ask these questions:

1. Where is the building located?

2. Is the door fire-rated?

3. What do local codes require?

4. What is the expected traffic level?

Only then can the correct certification mix be defined.

Certification Is a Strategy, Not a Label

CE, UL, and ANSI/BHMA are not competing certifications — they are complementary engineering tools.

• •CE  ensures legal market access

• •UL  ensures fire and life safety

• •ANSI/BHMA  ensures mechanical reliability

For professional door hardware projects, the right combination matters more than any single mark.

Contact us Now:

Contact: David Jian
Mob:0086-139 2903 7292
Email: David@dndhardware.com, sales@dndhardware.com,

Jobby Zhang
Mob:0086-137 2599 9617

Email: jobby@dndhardware.com

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