This report summerizes research and development activities on large scale fire test methods based on oxygen consumption calorimetry carried out at the Swedish National Testing Institute during the latest decade. The work towards a standardized NORDTEST method as well as an international standard for measuring and characterizing burning behaviour of surface materials is described. The developed classification philosophy and the proposed criteria for assessing surface products based on the NORDTEST method is discussed. The application of oxygen consumption calorimetry for testing full size upholstered furniture i also presented. Finally, the implications on this research to European harmonization of testing and classification is discussed.