BHMA plays a critical role in shaping the building codes that affect commercial doors and hardware—especially for locksmiths, code officials, and security professionals. Behind the scenes, the association works to ensure that codes governing locking mechanisms, exit devices, and door operations reflect current safety standards and industry realities. As the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain builders hardware performance standards, BHMA brings deep technical insight to every phase of the code-making journey.

The International Code Council (ICC) publishes model building codes that are widely adopted by states, counties, and cities as the minimum requirements for construction of commercial and residential buildings. The next editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) are under development. BHMA is actively engaged in ICC’s code development process through developing and advocating for revisions and improvements of the provisions of the IBC and IFC. 

The International Code Council (ICC) publishes model building codes that are widely adopted by states, counties, and cities as the minimum requirements for construction of commercial and residential buildings. The next editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) are under development. BHMA is actively engaged in ICC’s code development process through developing and advocating for revisions and improvements of the provisions of the IBC and IFC.