EU Proposes EN 15129 Revision: Seismic Bearings Must Pass CO₂ Fire Suppression Compatibility Test

On 28 April 2026, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published the draft amendment prEN 15129:2026/A1 for public consultation — introducing a new requirement that seismic bridge bearings installed in critical infrastructure (e.g., metro systems and data centers) must demonstrate functional integrity under ISO 14520-10 carbon dioxide (CO₂) fire suppression conditions. Specifically, bearings must retain displacement control capability within 30 minutes after CO₂ discharge. This update signals a tightening of technical access requirements for seismic bearing exports to the EU market, particularly affecting manufacturers and exporters in China and other third countries.

Event Overview

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) released the draft amendment prEN 15129:2026/A1 on 28 April 2026. The draft proposes adding a mandatory compatibility test with CO₂ fire suppression systems, per ISO 14520-10, for seismic bridge bearings deployed in critical infrastructure. The test requires bearings to maintain structural displacement control functionality for at least 30 minutes following full CO₂ discharge. The draft is currently open for public comment and is scheduled for formal adoption in Q3 2026.

Industries Affected

Export-Oriented Bearing Manufacturers

Manufacturers exporting seismic bridge bearings to the EU — especially those supplying metro or data center projects — will face revised conformity assessment requirements. Compliance will no longer rely solely on mechanical performance standards (e.g., EN 15129’s existing load and movement criteria), but will now include environmental exposure testing under fire suppression conditions. This adds a new validation step in type testing and certification workflows.

Supply Chain Integrators & System Providers

Companies integrating bearings into larger structural or fire safety systems (e.g., turnkey metro contractors or data center infrastructure providers) may need to revalidate system-level fire response protocols. Since bearing functionality post-CO₂ discharge affects overall structural resilience during emergency suppression events, integrators could face updated contractual obligations regarding component-level fire compatibility documentation.

Testing Laboratories & Certification Bodies

Laboratories accredited for EN 15129 testing will need to verify capability to perform ISO 14520-10 CO₂ exposure tests — including controlled chamber environments, gas concentration monitoring, and functional verification under load after exposure. Certification bodies issuing CE-marking support may need to update their scope assessments and audit checklists ahead of the amendment’s entry into force.

What Enterprises and Practitioners Should Focus On Now

Monitor Official CEN Timeline and Final Text Release

The current version is a draft for consultation (prEN). Stakeholders should track CEN’s official updates for the final adopted text, expected in Q3 2026, as well as any transitional provisions — such as grandfathering clauses for existing certified products or phased implementation schedules.

Identify High-Risk Product Categories and End-Use Applications

Not all EN 15129-compliant bearings will be subject to the new test. The requirement applies specifically to bearings installed in ‘critical infrastructure’, as defined in the draft — explicitly naming metro systems and data centers. Exporters should review project specifications and tender documents to determine whether their target applications fall within this scope before initiating additional testing.

Distinguish Between Regulatory Signal and Enforceable Requirement

As of 28 April 2026, prEN 15129:2026/A1 carries no legal force. It does not replace EN 15129:2021 nor trigger immediate changes to CE marking validity. Analysis shows this amendment functions primarily as a forward-looking technical signal — indicating where EU regulatory expectations are shifting, rather than imposing immediate compliance obligations.

Assess Readiness for ISO 14520-10 Testing Capability

Manufacturers planning continued EU market access should evaluate internal or external capacity to conduct ISO 14520-10 testing. This includes verifying availability of CO₂ test chambers meeting pressure, temperature, and exposure duration parameters, as well as functional measurement setups capable of assessing displacement control under load post-exposure.

Editorial Perspective / Industry Observation

Observably, this draft amendment reflects a broader trend in EU infrastructure standards: increasing integration of fire safety and structural resilience requirements. While EN 15129 has long governed mechanical behavior of seismic bearings, the addition of CO₂ compatibility introduces a cross-domain performance criterion — linking passive structural components to active fire suppression systems. Analysis suggests this is less a finalized regulatory outcome and more a calibrated policy signal — intended to align bearing performance with evolving safety expectations in high-availability infrastructure. The sector should treat it as an early indicator of future harmonized standard evolution, rather than an immediate compliance deadline.

From an industry perspective, the timing — with formal adoption expected in Q3 2026 — implies a realistic lead time of 12–18 months before enforcement begins, assuming typical transition periods apply. Current readiness efforts should prioritize scoping and capability mapping over full-scale re-certification.

Conclusion: This draft revision marks a targeted expansion of technical access conditions for seismic bridge bearings in the EU — not a broad-based overhaul. Its significance lies in its specificity: it defines a narrow but consequential interface between structural engineering and fire protection disciplines. For exporters and system integrators, it is best understood as a preparatory milestone — one that clarifies emerging expectations without yet altering current conformity pathways.

Source: Draft prEN 15129:2026/A1, published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) on 28 April 2026.
Note: The status and final content of the amendment remain subject to ongoing public consultation and CEN’s formal approval process. Continued observation is recommended through official CEN channels.