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. 

BHMA prioritizes safety and performance in builders hardware for all users, but functionality and aesthetics are also placed at the top of the list. Architectural finishes play a crucial role in both the aesthetic appeal and long-term durability of a building. Architects face a myriad of choices in selecting materials that can withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining their visual appeal.

The final set of our Hardware Highlights grouping is called Door Assemblies, and unlike most ANSI/BHMA standards that are for discrete components, these are all for full door assemblies.

The next set of our Hardware Highlights grouping is called Trim the Door, which includes the products that are added to complete a doorway (besides locks, latches, and controls). Just like any BHMA standards, the primary users include manufacturers, specifiers, building owners, homeowners, architects, consumers, laboratories, etc. All of these users can access the BHMA Certified® Products Directory to find certified products that meet the ANSI/BHMA standards.

The next set of our Hardware Highlights grouping is called Lock the Door, a group of more than 15 standards organized in three different areas: residential, mechanical, and electrical. The primary users of these standards are manufacturers, specifiers, building owners, homeowners, architects, consumers, and test labs. The BHMA Certified® Products Directory is available for all of these users to find certified products that meet the ANSI/BHMA standards.

Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, or BHMA, is a trade association that is committed to promoting the quality and performance of builders hardware products and providing education and standards development. For nearly a century it has represented manufacturers and suppliers of builders hardware products and has advocated for the interests of the industry as a whole.

Builders hardware is a term that has been widely used for many years to encompass a diverse range of components employed in construction and building projects. It refers to a broad category of various metal and non-metallic hardware products that are used in the protection, decoration, construction and renovation of buildings. It is sometimes referred to as “architectural hardware” and consists of products that are mounted onto the moving parts of buildings (for example windows, doors, cabinets, etc.) that are essential for the functionality and security of buildings.

The second set of our Hardware Highlights grouping is called Hang the Door. These five standards were originally grouped together to coincide with the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) and how they organize their educational programs. Hang the Door, like it sounds, covers the array of hardware that connects a door to the frame, depending on the application. The titles of this set, along with their respective Hardware Highlights, provide a basic description of the type of “hanging”.