Quick answer: "fire rated" artificial greenery means the foliage has been tested against a recognised flammability standard. The two standards you'll encounter are AS/NZS 1530.3:1999 (the Australian/New Zealand building materials test, widely referenced internationally) and NFPA 701 (the US standard for flame propagation in textiles and films, commonly required for indoor commercial spaces in America). They test different things, and a product certified to one is not automatically compliant with the other.
AS/NZS 1530.3:1999 - What It Tests
This standard measures four properties of a building material when exposed to heat and flame: ignitability, flame propagation, heat release, and smoke development, each scored on an index. Artificial greenery certified to AS/NZS 1530.3 has demonstrated controlled behavior across these indices. Our fire-rated garland and hanging bush range is certified to AS/NZS 1530.3:1999.
NFPA 701 - What It Tests
NFPA 701 is the National Fire Protection Association's flame propagation test for curtains, drapery, films and similar materials. It measures whether a material self-extinguishes when the flame source is removed, and it's the certificate US fire marshals most often ask for in indoor commercial fit-outs: restaurants, hotels, retail, offices, and public buildings. If your project is a US indoor commercial space, ask your certifier or fire marshal early whether NFPA 701 documentation will be required.
Which One Does Your Project Need?
| Project type | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| US residential (indoor or outdoor) | No fire certification typically required |
| US outdoor commercial (patios, facades, fences) | Often none, but confirm with local code |
| US indoor commercial fit-out | NFPA 701 commonly required - confirm with fire marshal |
| Public buildings, assembly spaces | NFPA 701 almost always required |
Requirements vary by state, municipality and building class - the table is a starting point, not compliance advice. Always confirm with your certifier, architect or local authority.
What We Offer
Our fire-rated garland range is certified to AS/NZS 1530.3:1999, with NFPA 701 rated options available on request for commercial specifications - contact us with your project requirements and we'll advise on suitable product and documentation. For trade and volume projects, our trade program covers specification support.
Three Things to Watch For When Buying "Fire Rated" Greenery
- Ask which standard, and for the certificate. "Fire rated" or "fire retardant" without a named standard and test documentation is a marketing phrase, not a compliance position.
- Sprayed-on coatings vs inherent treatment. Aftermarket fire-retardant sprays can wash off outdoors and may not satisfy an inspector. Certification of the product as manufactured is stronger.
- One certificate does not cover both markets. AS/NZS certification will not satisfy a US fire marshal asking for NFPA 701, and vice versa.
This guide is general information, not legal or compliance advice. Confirm requirements for your specific project with your local authority.