Why ANEPC Registration Is Not Enough for Fire-Resistant Glazing and Framing Systems
2026-06-09
CE Marking, DoP and FPC: the essential requirements for ensuring the legal compliance of fire-resistant glazing and framing systems beyond ANEPC registration
In the field of Building Fire Safety (SCIE), product compliance is a fundamental pillar in protecting lives and property. In Portugal, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) plays a crucial role in regulating and supervising companies involved in the installation and maintenance of fire safety equipment and systems. However, for manufacturers and installers of fire-resistant glazing and framing systems, registration with ANEPC, although mandatory, is not sufficient on its own to guarantee legal compliance and the actual performance of these critical products.
ANEPC is responsible for regulating companies that market, install, and maintain fire safety equipment and systems, including fire- and smoke-resistant doors and glazed assemblies. Registration with ANEPC confirms that a company possesses the qualified human and technical resources required to carry out these activities in accordance with Portuguese legislation, such as Ordinance No. 773/2009. Therefore, ANEPC registration is a necessary requirement for operating within the fire safety sector, but it does not constitute product certification. It verifies the competence of the installer or maintenance provider, but not the compliance of the product being manufactured or supplied. The compliance of the product itself – the fire-resistant glazing and framing system – is demonstrated through harmonised European standards, which form the basis for CE Marking.
The reasons for this crucial distinction are:
- Different Focus: ANEPC focuses on the competence of the installer and maintenance provider. European standards (EN 14351-1 and EN 16034) and CE Marking focus on the performance and compliance of the manufactured product.
- Manufacturer Responsibility: Responsibility for product compliance and for issuing the Declaration of Performance (DoP) and CE Marking rests with the manufacturer, who must operate a certified Factory Production Control (FPC) system and manufacture products in accordance with Initial Type Testing (ITT) carried out by accredited laboratories.
- Product Assessment: ANEPC does not evaluate the intrinsic fire-resistance performance of glazing and framing systems. This assessment is carried out through laboratory testing and certification by notified bodies in accordance with European standards.
- Performance Assurance: Only a product bearing valid CE Marking, supported by a Declaration of Performance (DoP) and a certified FPC system, provides assurance that the fire-resistant glazing and framing system will perform as intended in the event of a fire. An installer registered with ANEPC may still install a non-compliant product, which would compromise the entire chain of fire safety.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The use of fire-resistant glazing and framing systems without the appropriate CE Marking and supporting documentation can lead to serious consequences:
- Safety Risks: In the event of a fire, the product may fail to perform its intended function, placing lives at risk and allowing the spread of fire and smoke.
- Legal Liability: Architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners may face civil and criminal liability for safety failures resulting from the use of non-compliant products.
- Construction Delays and Enforcement Actions: Authorities may suspend construction works or require the replacement of non-compliant products, resulting in additional costs and project delays.
- Loss of Warranty: The absence of proper documentation or incorrect installation may invalidate product warranties.
Fire safety is a matter of utmost importance. For fire-resistant glazing and framing systems, ANEPC registration is a legal requirement for the companies responsible for installation and maintenance, but it represents only one part of the compliance framework. The true guarantee of compliance and performance lies in CE Marking, supported by the Declaration of Performance (DoP) and a rigorous Factory Production Control (FPC) system, all in accordance with European standards EN 14351-1 and EN 16034. Only the combination of these elements, ensured by manufacturers and installers operating under a comprehensive certification regime, can provide the level of safety and confidence that buildings and their occupants deserve.
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