The UK Government has released a Green Paper proposing big changes to how construction products are regulated. These reforms are a direct response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the urgent need to make buildings safer
Right now, about two-thirds of construction products in the UK aren’t properly regulated. That means unsafe or untested materials could still be used in homes, schools, and workplaces. The current system focuses more on trade standards than on safety – and enforcement is weak. Many builders and buyers also struggle to find clear information about the products they’re using.
What’s being proposed?
The Government wants to:
- Make all construction products meet new safety requirements, even those not currently regulated.
- Introduce tougher penalties for non-compliance, including large fines and bans from the UK market.
- Improve access to product information, such as safety certifications and traceability.
- Create “product passports” to document every stage of a product’s lifecycle and make cross-border trade easier.
- Encourage better collaboration between regulators, such as Trading Standards and the Building Safety Regulator.
Is it enough?
The Green Paper sets out strong intentions, but several concerns remain. One is that manufacturers will still be largely responsible for assessing their own products’ safety. Without clear oversight, this could undermine the credibility of the reforms.
Enforcement is another question mark. While tougher penalties are proposed, it’s unclear whether existing regulators have the resources or coordination needed to apply them effectively.
Improving access to product information is a positive step, but without simple, user-friendly systems, the result could be more confusion rather than greater transparency.
Finally, sustainability is only briefly mentioned. Given its importance to long-term safety and performance, this feels like a missed opportunity to embed it more fully into the reforms.
Final thoughts
The Green Paper is a good step forward, but it lacks clarity on how these reforms will be delivered. More funding, staffing, and skills will be needed to make these ideas work in practice. The construction industry is watching closely – and you can have your say, too.
To complete the Green Paper’s consultation survey click here.
At BCM Agency, we’re a specialist B2B marketing agency dedicated to the construction sector. We help building product manufacturers and suppliers respond to industry change, including navigating the complexities of the proposed construction product reforms. From strategy and research to compliance and sustainability-focused messaging and content, we support clients in staying ahead of the curve.
Read the full in-depth article here.
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