Security Bollard Certification: PAS 68, IWA 14 & STS 202 Guide

Security Bollard Certification: PAS 68, IWA 14 & STS 202 Guide

Security bollard certification is a complex area where marketing claims frequently outpace actual performance. Understanding the difference between tested and untested products, and between different test standards, is essential for anyone specifying protection for crowded places or critical infrastructure.

Why Certification Matters

A bollard with no third-party test certification is a deterrent — not a barrier. Insurance requirements, police Counter Terrorism Security Adviser (CTSA) recommendations, and local authority procurement policies all require certified HVM products for crowded place applications.

PAS 68: The Original UK Standard

PAS 68 was the UK's primary standard for vehicle security barriers from 2007 until its withdrawal in 2022. Three vehicle categories: N1G (car/4x4), N2G (7.5t van/truck), N3G (30t HGV). Products certified to PAS 68 remain valid and are still widely specified.

IWA 14: The International Standard

IWA 14-1:2013 is the ISO international standard, the preferred reference for new specifications globally, and required by NaCTSO for crowded place perimeter protection.

Rating Notation Example

IWA 14-1 V7500/80/90:0.0 means: 7,500kg test vehicle, 80km/h impact speed, 90° impact angle (perpendicular), zero metres penetration.

BSI Flex 1660: The New UK Standard

BSI Flex 1660, published in 2022 to replace PAS 68, incorporates IWA 14 test protocols but adds UK-specific requirements for installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. Most relevant for new-build public realm projects from 2023 onwards.

STS 202: Manual Attack Testing

STS 202 tests products against manual attack using hand tools — not vehicle impact. Relevant for access points and gates within a vehicle security perimeter. A certified bollard line is undermined by an uncertified gate. NaCTSO guidance recommends STS 202 SR2 for most crowded place access points.

Reading a Certificate: What to Check

• ✅ Testing laboratory name and accreditation (UKAS or equivalent)
• ✅ Exact product model, configuration, and dimensions as tested
• ✅ Foundation specification (concrete class, depth, rebar) as tested
• ✅ Test date
• ✅ Any installation conditions or restrictions noted
• ⚠️ Be alert to "complies with" claims without a certificate — meaningless without test documentation

Browse our certified security bollards with full IWA 14 test documentation.