The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is holding an open consultation until 20th May 2026 which sets out proposals for the reform of the construction products regime.
This white paper will act as the next step following the Construction Products Reform Green Paper in 2025. The aim is to move to a framework that prioritises safety, accountability, and public confidence as opposed to the current framework which is said to be designed to reduce technical trade barriers.
For the construction products sector, the reforms should mean a clear, regulatory framework is set out that provides support and long-term stability. End-users of buildings also need to be reassured that products have been chosen with safety at the forefront.
Issues being addressed in the consultation
System-wide issues that arose from the green paper consultation that are to be addressed include:
- Safety not being the central focus
- Limited regulatory coverage
- Fragmented regulatory landscape
- Weak institutional oversight, competence and transparency
- Inadequate product data
- Lack of digitalisation and poor product traceability
- Insufficient enforcement
- Need to drive competence, culture and accountability
How is the consultation structured?
Part A of the consultation provides regulatory and institutional context, confirming gaps and weaknesses.
Part B presents the Government’s plans to deliver the reform, including requirements and the future of standards.
Part C establishes next steps and how stakeholders can respond to the consultation.
What are the Government proposals to reform the construction products sector?
The proposals are laid out in Part B of the consultation. It covers how consistency with the European Union (EU) will be taken into consideration – namely the EU Construction Products Regulation (EU-CPR) which places greater emphasis on product safety and the provision of information.
To regulate that products are safe and that construction product manufacturers act responsibly, proposals are put forward on requirements and obligations for both products currently covered by designated standards, as well as products not currently covered by a designated standard or technical assessment.
The MHCLG states they recognise the need for a strengthened regulatory framework for the selection and installation of products. Identified issues include clarity on where responsibility and accountability lie throughout the lifecycle of a product.
There are objectives surrounding the need to have clear, accessible information on construction products. This responsibility is proposed to be placed on the manufacturers and economic operators. Information requirements include:
- Product characteristics
- Installation guidance
- Technical specifications
- Unique product identifiers
- Storage and transportation guidance
Measures on how this information is to be provided cover the requirements of a digital infrastructure with structured and traceable product data. The MHCLG recognises there are manufacturers who have developed digital infrastructures to support information sharing, but the sector at large requires guidance.
Key stakeholders throughout a project lifecycle have been given responsibility for a range of functions. Parties mentioned with their intended responsibilities include:
- Manufacturers and distributors
- Testing and certification bodies
- Clients
- Architects, designers and specifiers
- Contractors, subcontractors and installers
The Government’s role is said to be to establish clear expectations and deliver standardised, interoperable approaches to digitisation. The Digital Product Passports (DPPs) being developed in the EU will be taken into consideration. The MHCLG will continue to explore how DPPs or equivalent system could be adopted.
How will construction product reforms be implemented?
A roadmap of reform has been developed to set out indicative expectations. The Government also recognises that the reforms set out in the white paper require primary legislation. They are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the sector to progress a standardised approach to digital construction product data.
How can you have your say in the Construction Products Reform White Paper consultation?
Information on how the industry can engage with the consultation is provided on the Government’s website. Those who want to respond to the consultation are directed to access the online survey platform.
