The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) has published its Construction Products Reform White Paper – outlining proposals for urgent reform of the construction products regime – and is now seeking industry views

A follow-up to the Construction Products Reform Green Paper, which was published and consulted on in 2025, the white paper is the “next decisive step” in the government’s pledge to “crack down on unregulated practices and weaknesses that are undermining the construction sector”.

While there has been some “limited action” regarding the use of construction products in buildings since the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the white paper reinforces that “progress has not been sufficient to address the critical gaps in the regime”. Under the new proposals, all products will now need to be properly assessed before being used in the building process.

As MHCLG states: “This government will introduce a programme of long-term ambitious reform aimed at enhancing safety, supporting growth, including delivery of safe homes for residents over this Parliament and beyond, and ensuring accountability and transparency right across the product chain. The white paper considers consultation responses and sets out a clear path to system-wide solutions.”

Stakeholder responses to the preceding green paper highlighted several system-wide issues, with a consensus that safety was not the central focus, regulatory coverage was limited, and the regulatory landscape was fragmented, with “disjointed overlapping responsibilities”. Additionally, there was weak institutional oversight, competence, rigour and transparency of testing, and certification. Collated responses to the green paper also highlighted issues of inadequate product information, a lack of digitalisation, poor product traceability, insufficient enforcement, and a need to drive competence, culture, and accountability.

There was, however, concern around potential over-regulation, which could “stifle innovation and efficiency”, with stakeholders calling for a balanced and risk-based approach to regulation.

As listed in the white paper, some of the proposed solutions include:

  • Mandatory requirements when placing a construction product on the market via one of two routes: products regulated by designated standards and a proportionate, risk-based general safety requirement (GSR) for all other products not covered by the designated standards.
  • Additional measures to enhance the regulatory framework, particularly for products that are “critical to safe construction and there is a risk of serious harm if something goes wrong”. Minimum requirements relating to third-party assurance and certification will also be introduced.
  • Enhanced product information and transparency, including clear, accessible labelling and product information that outlines critical safety information.
  • Digital solutions for enhanced product information, with digital information systems and construction product information made available digitally to support access.
  • Strengthening testing and certification through the establishment of a licensing regime and the development of a new public sector testing capacity.
  • Improved enforcement mechanisms, with enforcement authorities now having investigation and intervention powers to effectively manage non-compliance across the construction products regime. These measures are “designed to deter bad actors from engaging in the dishonest and misleading behaviours”.
  • Strengthening the route to redress for those affected by faulty products.
  • Sustainability and environmental considerations, as part of the government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a circular economy. The reuse and recycling of construction materials will be encouraged where appropriate, as well as minimising waste throughout the construction process.
  • Accountability and competence by establishing a “culture of responsibility”.
  • Setting the path to implementation through phased implementation and tailored transition periods to drive pace whilst supporting and enabling industry to adjust to the changes.

Implementation of the new construction products regime will require primary and secondary legislation and is subject to parliamentary time.

The consultation on the Construction Products Reform White Paper is open for comment until 20 May 2026, with details of how to respond here.

 

General Safety Requirement for Construction Products

In addition to the white paper consultation, MHCLG is also seeking views on proposals to introduce a general safety requirement (GSR) for construction products that are not regulated.

At present, it is understood that only one-third of construction products are regulated, with MHCLG stating that the new GSR will ensure that products not otherwise regulated by designated standards “undergo the proper checks”.

Operating alongside existing UK construction products regulations, the proposals for the GSR cover mandatory risk assessment, clear and accurate product information, labelling and traceability, record keeping, storage and transportation, obligations for importers and distributors, and the monitoring of safety issues.

In line with this, the British Standards Institute (BSI) is launching a new code of practice to support the safety of construction products across the UK: PAS 2000:2026 Construction Products – Bringing Safe Products to Market – Code of Practice.

“Regulations will require that construction products placed on the market are safe and will establish specific obligations for businesses. The regulations will also provide enforcement powers to the national regulator for construction products,” MHCLG states.

The consultation on this requirement is also open for comment until 20 May 2026. Details of how to respond are available here.

 

Statement from the interim Chief Construction Adviser (CCA)

Having assumed the role of interim CCA in September 2025, Thouria Istephan published a statement outlining her priorities and plans to support improvements in building safety and regulatory reform during the remainder of her term.

As an independent advisor to the government, Istephan said her focus would be on the reform of regulation for construction products, the creation of standards for the construction of buildings and professionals involved in construction, work around how evidence is gathered and learning from near misses, and supporting the development of the permanent Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser (CCSA) role.

Commenting on the publication of the Construction Products Reform White Paper and the GSR, Istephan said:  

“We must never forget the loss of 72 innocent lives and the impact the tragedy continues to have on the Grenfell community. The announcements today show the important ongoing work to reform and improve the complex regulatory system.

“We must strive to continue to make lasting and progressive change that improves the safety and quality of both new and existing buildings and, crucially, place people who live and work in buildings at the centre of our thinking. 

As previously reported by the FPA, the new proposals were published alongside the government’s first annual report on the implementation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.