What Class A Means
Under ASTM E84 (the Steiner Tunnel test), materials are classed by Flame Spread Index (FSI) and Smoke Developed Index (SDI). Class A requires FSI 0-25. For PET polyester panels and wood slat panels used in commercial interiors, Class A is the baseline most US and Canadian inspectors expect.
Why It Matters for Importers
Without a recognized fire report, panels can be rejected at the port or fail a building inspection after install. The cost of a redo dwarfs the cost of testing upfront. Our factory provides ASTM E84 Class A reports and can supply UV-printed panels with low-smoke formulations.
EU Equivalents
In Europe the matching system is EN 13501-1, where Class A maps roughly to A1/A2-s1,d0 (limited combustibility, very low smoke). If you sell to both markets, ask for both certificates in one batch.
Reading the Report
- FSI must be under 25 for Class A
- SDI should be low (under 450) for occupied spaces
- Check the product thickness matches what you import
OEM Documentation
When you order OEM acoustic panels, request the test on the exact substrate, not a generic sibling product. Fire performance changes with backing and density.