GOST R 50810-95: Russian Fire Safety Certification for Curtains & Decorative Fabrics

For suppliers exporting decorative fabrics to Russia and the CIS markets, passing fire safety certification is the primary barrier to entry. This article provides a deep dive into GOST R 50810-95, the core national testing standard for hanging textiles.

What is the GOST R 50810-95 Standard?

GOST R 50810-95 is the Russian Federation’s national standard for decorative textile materials. It specifically defines the vertical burn testing method used to evaluate the flammability of curtains, drapes, and wall coverings.

Its primary function is to determine if a material qualifies as “Hardly Combustible” (Trudnogoryuchie), which is the baseline requirement for contract textiles in Russia.

Scope of Application: What Materials Must Be Tested?

The standard strictly differentiates between “vertically suspended materials” and other textile categories. It is crucial to verify your material category to avoid invalid testing.

• Applicable Scope (Must use GOST R 50810):
  • Curtains and Window Drapes
  • Stage Curtains (Theater/Cinema)
  • Blackout Fabrics
  • Textile Wall Coverings
• Excluded Scope (Use other standards):
  • Carpets and Floor Coverings
  • Bedding and Mattresses
  • Upholstered Furniture Materials (Typically refer to GOST R 53294)

Test Methods and Core Metrics Explained

GOST R 50810-95 utilizes a vertical burn method (similar to ISO 6941) to assess fire resistance.

In the laboratory, the specimen is subjected to a flame source, and the following critical metrics are measured:

1. Flame Spread: The flame must not reach the top or side edges of the sample.
2. Damage Length: The charred area must remain within specific limits (typically < 150mm).
3. Molten Droplets: Critical Pass/Fail Criteria. The fabric must not produce flaming droplets. If a fabric drips fire (common with standard polyester), it immediately fails the test.

Context: How GOST R 50810 Fits into the “KM Class” System

While GOST R 50810 is the testing method, the final result on your Russian certificate will be a Fire Hazard Class (KM0 – KM5).

To achieve a specific KM Class (e.g., KM1 for hotel corridors), your fabric is evaluated on four factors. GOST R 50810 primarily addresses the first factor (G):

• G (Combustibility): Verified by GOST R 50810. Goal: G1 (Slightly Combustible).
• V (Ignitability): How easily it catches fire.
• D (Smoke Generation): Smoke density.
• T (Toxicity): Toxicity of combustion gases.

⚠️ Critical Technical Insight: The “Blind Spot”

GOST R 50810 only tests for flammability (Metric G). It DOES NOT measure Smoke (D) or Toxicity (T).

Therefore, a valid Russian certificate always requires two sets of tests: GOST R 50810 (to prove it doesn’t burn) AND GOST 12.1.044 (to prove the smoke isn’t toxic). This is why passing the vertical burn test alone is not enough for full compliance.

Why are NFPA 701 and DIN 4102-B1 Invalid in Russia?

Western standards are invalid because they lack the mandatory “Toxicity (T)” classification required by Russian law.

Comparison Factor	GOST R 50810 (Russia)	NFPA 701 (USA)
Core Logic	Vertical Burn + Smoke/Toxicity Matrix	Vertical Burn + Mass Loss
Toxicity Test	Mandatory	Not Required
Recognition	Required for Russia/CIS	Not Recognized in Russia

Common Misconceptions & Compliance Advice

Myth: “If it passes German B1, it passes Russian GOST.”
Truth: False. Many B1 fabrics fail the Russian Toxicity (T) test. Russia has stricter requirements for chemical off-gassing during combustion.

Our Recommendations:

• Sample Quantity: Prepare 5-10 meters of full-width fabric (more than Western labs require).
• Lead Time: Allow 3-5 weeks for shipping, customs, and testing in a Russian-accredited lab.
• Material Choice: Inherently Flame Retardant (IFR) Polyester is preferred over coated fabrics, as IFR fibers typically perform better in Smoke (D) and Toxicity (T) tests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)