Import of windows from Poland and the PAS 24: 2016 certificate – facts and myths

Many people in the window industry who sell or install windows in the UK have heard of it, but few know what it is about, where to get it and – in the case of windows – for what investments the PAS 24: 2016 safety certificate is required.

debesto.com established the facts and dispels myths about the PAS 24: 2016 certificate.

1. PAS 24 – what is it?

PAS 24: 2016 (from Publicly Available Specification) is nothing more than a standard for testing the strength of windows and doors and the quality of their protection against opening from the outside in the event of a burglar trying to force them. It was established to ensure that products of different brands provide an equally high level of safety. The testing of windows for compliance with the requirements of the PAS 24: 2016 standard is supervised by BSI (British Standards Institution), which establishes test procedures and grants certificates.

2. Does the PAS 24: 2016 certificate apply to all windows installed in all types of buildings?

No. The PAS 24: 2016 certificate is required for windows that are located in the basement and ground floor of the building and in other easily accessible places (including easily accessible roof windows). This requirement only applies to new residential buildings. Of course, in the case of investments from the secondary market and new commercial buildings, not only is there no ban on installing windows and doors that meet the requirements of the PAS 24: 2016 standard, but insurance companies even encourage their use. “It’s not just about feeling safer, but about discounts in insurance that are available to owners of flats or houses equipped with solid woodwork” – says a representative of Allianz UK.

3. Can the PAS 24: 2016 certificate be obtained in Poland, and will it be recognized in the UK?

No, contrary to what representatives of some national institutions claim. A laboratory from Poland does not carry out tests and does not issue a certificate, because it does not have such permissions. You can contact the polish branch of BSI, but the windows will be sent to the UK anyway, because the only laboratory that carries out tests in accordance with the PAS 24: 2016 standard is a laboratory in Great Britain.

Windows from Poland will have to go to Great Britain anyway. If they pass the tests, they will receive a certificate issued by the British Standards Institution in Great Britain. This also means that windows without a certificate bought in Poland can also be tested on site, in Great Britain, after their delivery.

4. If a system from a given manufacturer has been awarded the PAS 24: 2016 certificate, does it automatically also apply to windows manufactured using this system by another manufacturer?

Unfortunately, not. It doesn’t matter how similar the two windows are. If they come from different manufacturers, they must be tested independently. The good news is that the largest window size offered must be delivered to the lab for the test. If it passes the tests, the certificate also covers smaller windows of the same type.

5. Are windows that meet the requirements of the PAS 24: 2016 certificate more expensive than basic ones?

Yes, they are, because such windows are characterized by greater durability and better quality of protection against forcing than basic ones. Windows that meet the PAS 24:2016 certification requirements must be RC2 or RC3 classes.

6. Is the cost of the certificate in Poland and Great Britain the same?

Yes, because the tests are carried out in the same laboratory that is located in the UK. All costs (windows, transport, test) are covered by the manufacturer or investor who commissions the test in order to obtain a certificate.

7. Does the quality of window assembly affect obtaining the PAS 24: 2016 certificate?

No, because the windows are certified before they are installed. Which does not mean that they can be installed contrary to the construction art. Window frames should be mechanically attached to the building structure in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. How does the PAS 24: 2016 certificate relate to the SBD (Secured By Design) certificate?

The Secured By Design initiative was launched in 1989 by the UK Police. The idea was that better protection of windows and doors in apartments and houses would limit the growing number of burglaries. PAS 24: 2016 and SBD are 2 independent certificates that confirm the passing of tests according to various criteria. SBD is paramount to PAS 24: 2016, which means that windows or doors must first confirm the durability and quality of their security in tests according to the PAS 24: 2016 standard, and then their manufacturer may apply for the SBD certificate.

9. Does debesto.com offer windows that meet the requirements of the PAS 24: 2016 certificate?

Yes, it does, for example Cortizo Cor-70.