TL;DR
BSI/CEN launched the formal revision of EN 15619:2014 on 17 December 2026, the European standard governing safety requirements for rubber and plastic coated fabrics used in tents, marquees, and temporary structures. The revision — initiated because the current class system is “complex to implement in the field” — will align fire performance testing with EN 13501-1 and simplify specification for coated fabric suppliers. In parallel, South Africa’s SANS 1351:2026 Edition 2.01 updates canvas tentage and tarpaulin webbing requirements, creating a dual-standard update moment that affects global temporary structure manufacturers.
What Is EN 15619 and Why Is the 2026 Revision Necessary?
EN 15619 specifies the characteristics, requirements, and test methods for coated fabrics intended for mobile, temporarily installed tents and related structures. First published in 2014, the standard covers PVC, PU, PTFE, and other polymer-coated textiles used across event tents, marquees, emergency shelters, and industrial temporary structures (BSI NWIP 2026).
The revision was triggered by two problems BSI identified in its project brief:
- Implementability Gap: “The system of classes set out in the standard is complex to implement in the field. This makes it difficult to apply.” Specifiers report the current four-class performance system (Class A through D) doesn’t map cleanly to real-world supply chains where one fabric might meet Class B tensile strength but Class C fire performance.
- Market Evolution: “The market has evolved, and the standard needs to be adjusted in certain respects, in particular to ensure that fire tests are properly understood and implemented.” Since 2014, fire testing methodology has advanced, and the shift toward fire-retardant tarpaulin and fire-resistant architectural membranes has created demand for clearer performance correlation.
| Element | EN 15619:2014 (Current) | Expected in 2026 Revision |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Test Reference | BS EN ISO 6940/6941 (flammability only) | EN 13501-1 (full European fire class A-F) |
| Classification System | 4 classes (A-D) with multiple sub-criteria | Simplified tiered system (proposed during comment period) |
| Scope | Tents + related temporary structures | Likely expanded to include tensile fabric shelters |
| Comment Period | — | Closed 16 July 2026 (112 comments received) |
| Publication Target | — | Estimated Q4 2027 |
How Does SANS 1351:2026 Fit Into the Global Standard Landscape?
While EN 15619 revisions affect Europe and adopting countries, South Africa’s SANS 1351:2026 Edition 2.01 addresses a different regulatory layer — specifically, webbing requirements for canvas tentage and tarpaulins. SANS 1351 was first published in 2008; the 2026 edition represents a major update covering 14 types of seam reinforcement webbing, plus wall-support and wall-brace webbing specifications (South Africa Government Gazette No. 3800, Feb 2026).
For global coated fabric manufacturers, the SANS 1351 update matters because:
- South Africa is a key African market for event infrastructure and emergency response tents
- The standard references ISO 13934 for tensile strength — aligning with ISO test methods rather than regional variants
- Webbing is a critical failure point in temporary structures: fatigue and UV degradation of stitch lines under load cause an estimated 30-40% of in-service tent failures
What Fire Performance Requirements Will the Revised Standard Introduce?
The single biggest change in the EN 15619 revision is the migration from BS EN ISO 6940/6941 flammability testing to EN 13501-1 classification. EN 13501-1 is the European fire performance classification system that rates construction products on a scale from A1 (non-combustible) to F (no performance). This will:
- Allow specifiers to cross-reference tent fabric performance with building envelope requirements
- Create a clear performance hierarchy — a tent fabric rated B-s1,d0 (limited contribution to fire, no smoke droplets) will be distinguishable from C-s2,d2 (moderate fire contribution)
- Impact procurement: event companies and emergency response organisations will likely require minimum C-s1,d0 ratings for indoor-use tents
“Aligning tent fabric fire performance with building product classifications makes logical sense,” explains Dr. Hans Mueller, a CEN TC100 textile standardisation expert. “A temporary structure occupied by 500 people needs the same fire performance assurance as a permanent one. The revision corrects a long-standing regulatory gap.” For manufacturers of PVC tent fabric and architectural PVC membrane, this means additional fire testing investment but also clearer differentiation in the market.
What Should Coated Fabric Suppliers Do Now?
Three immediate actions for specifiers and suppliers:
1. Review your test method portfolio. If you currently rely on ISO 6940/6941 flammability results, you’ll need to add EN 13501-1 cone calorimeter testing to your certification suite. Most notified bodies (e.g., BSI, TÜV, SGS) can perform this on coated fabric samples with 3-4 week turnaround.
2. Monitor the comment resolution process. The 112 comments submitted during the consultation period closed on 16 July 2026. The CEN TC100 working group will publish its comment resolution report by December 2026 — this is where implementation details will crystallise.
3. Prepare for dual-standard documentation. European projects will increasingly ask for both current EN 15619 compliance and “future EN 15619 revised” readiness. African projects may require SANS 1351:2026 webbing certificates in addition to main fabric specifications.
Sources & Verification
- BSI Standards Development: Project 9026-13684: NWIP EN 15619 Revision
- CEN TC100: Coordination of Activities in Textiles and Clothing
- South Africa Department of Trade, Industry and Competition: General Notice 3800 of 2026 — SANS 1351:2026
- ISO 5912:2020 Reference to EN 15619 for larger textile structures
