Fire Retardant Drapery Regulations in Spain: The Essential Guide for International Event Producers (C1, B1, M1)
Imagine this nightmare scenario. It is two hours before doors open at your major corporate event in Barcelona. A local Health & Safety inspector walks in, looks at your beautiful stage backdrop, asks for the fire certificate, and then shakes their head. “This is not valid in Spain,” they say.
The drapes have to come down.
This happens more often than you think. International agencies often assume their textiles brought from Germany (DIN 4102 – B1) or France (NFP 92-503 – M1) will automatically pass Spanish inspections.
However, Spain has its own strict building code (CTE) and adheres to specific European norms.
At Saez Decom, we provide technical textiles and Pipe & Drape systems for hundreds of events yearly at venues like Fira Gran Via, CCIB, and IFEMA. We know exactly what the inspectors demand.
This guide clarifies the confusion around fire ratings. It will help you ensure your event is compliant, safe, and opens on time.
What is the Legal Standard in Spain? (The C1 Requirement)
For public gathering places (like event venues, congress halls, and theaters), curtains and drapes hanging vertically must generally meet the UNE-EN 13773 standard, Class 1 (C1).
This is the gold standard for flame retardancy in Spain. It means the fabric resists ignition and does not spread fire rapidly.
When a venue inspector at Fira Barcelona asks for paperwork, they are looking for a laboratory test certifying Class 1 (C1) compliance according to Spanish regulations.
The Confusion: Will my B1 or M1 Drapes pass?
This is the most common question we get from international clients.
Germany’s B1 (DIN 4102): This is a very high standard. It is often technically equivalent to Spain’s C1.
France’s M1 (NFP 92-503): Also a very high standard, usually accepted across Europe.
So, can I use them? The answer is a tricky “maybe.”
Technically, the fabric might be safe. Legally, the paperwork might be wrong. A strict Spanish inspector has the right to demand a certificate that explicitly states compliance with Spanish UNE norms, or an official technical equivalence document translated into Spanish.
If you arrive on-site with only a German certificate in German, you are taking a significant risk. The final decision always rests with the on-site safety officer.
The Safest Solution: Rent Locally in Barcelona
Why risk a red tag on your event for the sake of shipping drapes across borders?
The easiest, safest, and most sustainable route is to rent your textiles from a local partner like Saez Decom.
Benefits of Renting Locally:
Guaranteed Compliance (Trevira CS): Our core stock for Pipe & Drape and backdrops isn’t just surface-treated. We use high-quality Trevira CS Molton. This textile is permanently inherently fire retardant (IFR). The safety properties are built at the molecular level and never degrade over time, ensuring consistent Class 1 (C1) compliance, event after event.
Instant Paperwork: We provide the full technical dossier in Spanish directly to the venue before you even arrive.
No Shipping Costs: You save on logistics and reduce your event’s carbon footprint.
Perfect Condition: Our drapes are maintained locally, ensuring they are clean and wrinkle-free.
Where We Use C1 Certified Textiles
We apply these superior safety standards across all our textile solutions:
Pipe & Drape Systems: For creating temporary dressing rooms, dividing halls, or masking unsightly venue walls using our permanent IFR Molton.
Stage Backdrops: Massive, seamless drapes for main stages and keynote areas.
Ceiling Masking: Hiding trussing and venue ceilings in large halls.
AV Integration: Blackout fabrics for tunnels and projection areas.
Summary
Don’t let fire regulations become a last-minute crisis. When producing an event in Spain, ensure your textiles meet the UNE-EN 13773 Class 1 standard.
The simplest way to guarantee this is to stop shipping and start renting permanently treated textiles locally.
Need certified drapes in Barcelona or Madrid? Contact Saez Decom today for a quote on our Trevira CS textiles and Pipe & Drape solutions. We handle the safety, so you can focus on the show.
