Shape standards
We represent industry expertise on BSI standards committees and contribute to practical, proportionate requirements.
Raising standards since 1897
The voice of a
safer industry.
DHF unites, supports and represents the professionals who make access safer, more secure and more sustainable.
1897More than a century of industry leadership
Who we are
Independent expertise.
Collective influence.
DHF is the not-for-profit trade association for companies working across locks and building hardware, doorsets, industrial doors and shutters, domestic garage doors, and automated gates and barriers.
We are a single source of technical knowledge, practical guidance, training and professional support. Our staff, members and external specialists work together to improve competence and raise standards across every part of the industry.
DHF represents its sectors on standards committees and liaises with organisations including the Health and Safety Executive, Trading Standards and fire-safety bodies across the UK and Europe.
125+Years of leadership
500+Member businesses
5Specialist product areas
1Trusted industry voice
What we do
Practical leadership
with purpose.
Everything we do is designed to strengthen competence, support responsible businesses and improve safety.
Represent industry
We work with government, regulators, enforcement bodies and safety organisations to give specialist businesses a credible collective voice.
Build competence
Recognised training, qualifications and technical development help people understand responsibilities and demonstrate professional capability.
Advance safety
Clear guidance, responsible practice and specialist support help make products, installation and maintenance safer.
A respected industry voice
Expertise at the table.
Standards and regulation are stronger when informed by practical experience. DHF brings together manufacturers, installers, maintainers, specifiers and specialists to ensure the industry is properly represented.
- Representation on BSI standards committees
- Engagement with regulators and compliance authorities
- Technical groups for each specialist sector
- Guidance shaped by real-world experience
Our specialist sectors
One federation.
Five areas of expertise.
Focused technical support and representation for the products and systems that protect people, property and access.
Our history
Established in 1897.
Focused on what comes next.
DHF has evolved alongside the industries it represents—from traditional architectural ironmongery to increasingly sophisticated doors, access systems and safety technology.
That heritage gives us perspective, but our focus is firmly forward-looking: supporting competence, responding to changing legislation and helping members navigate new technical and commercial responsibilities.
Be part of our futureStronger together
Help shape a safer,
stronger industry.
Join the professional community raising standards and advancing safety across the UK and Ireland.