Government moves step closer to stronger construction products regulation as white paper published

The government has published its proposals to ensure all construction products pass safety checks before being used in buildings as part of the latest post-Grenfell shake-up of building regulations.

Today’s publication of the Construction Products White Paper paves the way for a formal bill to be introduced in Parliament setting out the proposed new rules in legislation.

The white paper builds upon the consultation on the government’s Construction Products Green Paper, published in February last year, which proposed measures to strengthen the regulation of building materials in the wake of the findings of the Grenfell Inquiry.

It is estimated that only 37% of construction products are regulated under current rules, meaning that the existing regulator is unable to act even when there are known issues with products.

A fragmented regulatory environment also means the current system does not address system-level risks, including interactions between different construction products and the roles of individuals specifying or using products, the government said.

Under the proposed new rules, a general safety requirement (GSR) would be introduced to ensure all products undergo full safety checks before being sold on the market.

The GSR will require manufacturers to assess safety risks connected to the intended use and “the normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use” of the product and take proportionate action to eliminate or control such risks, the government said.

Importers and distributors, including merchants, will also be subject to obligations to support product safety with clear, accessible labelling and product information that outlines critical safety information required on all products.

The government has published a consultation on the GSR today, with secondary legislation expected later this year and all changes to be introduced “as soon as parliamentary time allows”.

Housing secretary Steve Reed said the Grenfell fire, which killed 72 people in June 2017, was a “tragedy that must never be repeated”.

He added: “Everyone should feel safe in their home. We are making progress implementing the Inquiry recommendations, but there is more to do as we continue to learn and act on the mistakes of the past.”

Minister for building safety, fire and democracy Samantha Dixon said the failings outlined in the Grenfell Inquiry, which concluded in 2024, exposed “fundamental issues in product, building and fire safety standards”.

She said the reforms proposed in the white paper “will create a better system for millions of people across the country.” 

Interim chief construction advisor Thouria Istephan said: “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.”