Construction Products Reform Green Paper: What’s it all about?

Earlier this year, the government unveiled fresh proposals for construction products reform in its Construction Products Reform Green Paper. What is included in the proposals? And what will they mean for the construction industry?

The story so far

In February 2025, the government released its Green Paper setting out the need for closer alignment between UK and EU regulations. Following this, a consultation with key stakeholders closed on 21 May 2025.

 Anyone who has followed the regulatory market in the last decade will know that change has been a long time coming. Especially after the Grenfell Fire and subsequent Hackitt Review, Morrell-Day Review and Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report, voices calling for regulatory clarification amplified.

Regulatory requirements

The first part of the 158-page Green Paper explains why change is needed. It provides an overview of how the UK construction products sector and regulatory regime work, and warns that two in three construction products on the UK market are “not covered within the construction products regulatory regime”.

By working through all the complexities of the full regulatory picture, the green paper highlights sector groups that the government considers critical to delivering reform. These include clients, funders, contractors, subcontractors, designers, specifiers, developers, manufacturers, distributors, importers, marketers, installers and insurers.

Recommended changes

Next, the paper sets out its recommendations for change. Some highlights include:

1. Establishing a general safety requirement
   Under proposed changes, all construction products would be brought within the regulatory regime. According to the classification, whether critical to safe construction, covered by a designated standard or subject to a technical assessment, different requirements may still be applicable.

2. Clear accessible information
   The paper also considers what test information is necessary to facilitate appropriate selection and safe installation. It suggests a construction library for test results, mandatory information, fire safety reports and academic reports, as well considering digital labelling and digital product passports. On product marking, the CE mark would still be recognised, the paper notes.

3. Better oversight and surveillance
   Elsewhere, the government mentions reviewing the various regulatory authorities’ roles, in addition to considering how they should work together. It also mentions effective surveillance through integrated reporting and intelligence sharing.
   
   

Brace for change

The government is now weighing the full situation, including the responses of the consultation. Whatever happens it is clear that, after years of waiting, regulatory reform is coming and everyone in the construction industry should brace for change. Come what may, we’ll be following closely.