Industry Responds to Construction Products Reform Green Paper

THE INDUSTRY HAS RESPONDED to the launch of the Construction Products Reform Green Paper which sets out proposals as part of the government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry.

The government is consulting on the proposals in the Construction Products Reform Green Paper, including proposals that address the Inquiry‘s recommendations. The green paper also serves as the government’s response to the Morrell-Day Review of product testing and certification.

The government has already indicated that it intends to introduce a single regulator and Chief Construction Adviser to streamline and reset processes.

Construction Products Reform

European Alignment

The fundamental approach in the green paper is that consistency between the UK regulatory framework and the revised European Union requirements for construction products will be retained.

Notably, the European requirements are moving towards Digital Product Passports which will provide information on construction products’ declaration of performance and conformity, safety information and instructions for use.

General Safety Requirement

The UK’s Construction Products Reform Green Paper proposals include expanding regulatory coverage to include all construction products, closing ‘gaps’ in oversight and regulatory assurance. The Morrell/Day Review suggested up to two thirds of construction products are not covered by the existing regulatory regime.

The green paper proposes that a general safety requirement is imposed on all construction product manufacturers who will be responsible for assessing the safety risks of their products before they are marketed.

Compliance with designated standards for those products where it is applicable will become mandatory.

Enforcement

The government refers to the Grenfell Inquiry’s finding of a “culture of impunity, where manufacturers can misrepresent product safety with little fear of repercussion”.

The green paper includes proposals to strengthen testing and certification with regulators being given resources to enforce regulations, including imposing fines and penalties – up to criminal prosecution.

The Building Safety Regulator will also conduct routine, proactive market inspections and surveillance activities.

Product Information

The government’s proposals include requiring that all construction products feature clear, accessible labelling and product information that outlines critical safety information.

A publicly accessible library will be kept of construction products housing data such as test results, certificates of compliance, and academic research.

In line with European requirements, it is proposed to introduce Digital Product Passports.

Third-Party Testing and Certification

Proposals include introducing mandatory minimum requirements for all third-party certification schemes to provide greater rigor, consistency, and transparency. Certification organisations will have to confirm that their processes are free from conflicts of interest, operate in the public interest, and adhere to industry best practices.

Oversight of conformity assessment bodies (CABs) will involve regular audits and inspections by the national regulator. Mechanisms for whistleblowing and improvements to training CAB staff will also be implemented.

Sustainability

Construction products will also be required to undergo life cycle assessments in readiness for incorporating environmental goals into future standards.

Accountability Framework

A framework will be published setting defined obligations for everyone involved in construction—from manufacturers and suppliers to builders, contractors and installation teams.

Penalties will be introduced for manufacturers deliberately promoting misleading information about their products and for contractors using unsafe materials.

Improved legal routes for individuals to hold manufacturers accountable for any harm caused by defective products are proposed, including financial compensation.

The new construction products regulatory framework will be periodically reviewed with stakeholders to keep it fit for purpose.

Responses are invited to the green paper by 21 May 2025.

INDUSTRY RESPONDS

Lowest Cost Still Driver

James Talman

James Talman, CEO of NFRC said: “We commend the government’s commitment to preventing another tragedy like Grenfell. Following the Hackitt Review, we along with other associations, have and continue to support work on demonstrating and improving competency and standards across organisations and occupations in our respective specialist sectors.

“However, procurement practices are too often driven on lowest cost and interpretation of framework requirements, which are not always reflective of the cultural change that the government and all key stakeholders desire”.

“We support the government’s demand of a much tighter regulated construction industry. This must place a much higher emphasis on professional standards across all construction activity, and mutual recognition of professions and skilled trades. For example, a qualified designer should stipulate a qualified roofer in a roofing contract. The impact of shoddy and non-compliant workmanship should be rooted out across all homes and buildings across the UK.”

Ensure Voices are Heard

An MCRMA spokesperson said, “The association will continue to work with other industry associations, particularly the Construction Products Association (CPA), during the consultation period and ensure that the views of the sector are properly represented.

“The association is encouraging its members, who operate at all stages of the metal cladding and roofing supply chain from design and manufacture to testing, installation and maintenance, to take time to read the green paper and share their views on the proposed reforms. Their input will be valuable in shaping the new culture and working practices which will emerge, and to ensure their voices are heard.

“The MCRMA will also provide its own responses to the industry consultation, and members who would prefer to provide feedback via the association may do so.

“As an association, the MCRMA is committed to supporting change in the construction industry, demonstrated by its latest step to become a Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) Trade Associate, alongside other leading industry bodies. It is also working with organisations throughout the sector to improve the availability of, and access to, training relating specifically to metal building envelope systems and products – more details will be announced during 2025.”

Key Milestone

The Construction Product Association issued a statement reading: “The Deputy Prime Minister’s statement in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Final Report recommendations reflected an understanding that while the UK construction industry has improved since the tragedy, there is much that remains to be done.

“The Construction Products Association (CPA) therefore welcomes the Government’s publishing of the Construction Products Reform Green Paper – its ambition, clarity and direction of travel for the construction products sector has been long awaited.

“As with the two independent reviews overseen by Dame Judith Hackitt and Morrell/Day, we will work with our members and wider industry to provide our full support and response during the Green Paper’s consultation.  We are already pleased to note in the Paper the recognition and support from Government for our work in developing the Code for Construction Product Information as a positive industry initiative to raise standards in product information and marketing.

“The Government’s response and the Green Paper mark another key milestone in a continuing series of reforms to our industry’s culture and practices.  The CPA remains committed to learning from this tragedy and helping drive meaningful change, particularly toward eliminating unsafe practices and ensuring that safety and accountability become non-negotiable priorities in the industry.”

Applaud Tougher Stance

Amanda Long

Amanda Long, Chief Executive of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), said, “The Government response to the Grenfell Phase Two Inquiry Report and publication of the Green Paper confirms the Government’s commitment to bring forward system-wide reform of the construction products regime. We welcome this and applaud the tougher stance on compliance and enforcement. This is crucial to preventing further tragedy. Throughout the Government Green Paper, the importance of clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous product information and marketing is consistently underscored as critical to the change required.

“The direction of travel laid out by the government is clear. Industry does not need to wait. All parties must now play their part and embrace greater responsibility, accountability and transparency. In line with this, the CCPI is on a mission to drive a transformational step-change in construction product information management and marketing. If you are a demand-side player – whether that be a contractor, developer, housebuilder, client, architect, specifier, insurer – join our Supporter community. If you are a manufacturer or supplier, merchant or distributor, register with the CCPI for assessment of product information and marketing and become part of the community working with the CCPI to raise standards across the industry.”

Shifting the Culture

Mike Smith, ECA Director commented: “It is encouraging to see a clear direction of travel in the Government’s response to the Phase 2 Inquiry into the terrible tragedy of Grenfell Tower. Over several years ECA and FSA have contributed to post Grenfell Inquiry and recognise the nuanced and complex changes needed to shift the culture of the industry. By accepting all the recommendations in the Inquiry, the Government has started on a journey to make electrical safety and fire engineering a significant part of future regulations.”

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