bhma

BHMA stands for the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. It is a United States–based trade association that represents manufacturers of architectural hardware, including door locks, hinges, closers, exit devices, and related products used in commercial and residential construction.

A central function of BHMA is to develop and maintain performance standards for door hardware in collaboration with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The resulting standards are published as ANSI/BHMA specifications and are widely referenced in product specifications, building codes, and procurement documents. These standards cover a range of topics, including durability, operation, security, finish, and accessibility, and they help ensure interoperability and consistent performance across products.

BHMA also administers a product certification program. Through testing and documentation, products can be certified as conforming to the relevant BHMA/ANSI standard. Certified products are listed as meeting defined performance criteria, and the certification label or listing is often used by manufacturers in marketing and by specifiers in procurement.

In practice, BHMA standards and certification are commonly used in the architectural hardware industry to guide design decisions, quality assurance, and compliance with codes. The association serves as a resource for manufacturers, specifiers, building owners, and installers seeking reliable performance benchmarks for door hardware. While BHMA standards originated in the United States, they are influential in international markets and are referenced in various international codes and standards bodies.