Government proposals to strengthen the construction products used in buildings across the UK have been published in an attempt to tackle unregulated practices.
The Construction Products Reform White Paper sets out that all products must be properly assessed before being used in the building process.
The white paper follows the Construction Products Reform Green Paper, published in February 2025, and marks the government’s next step in driving reform across the construction products sector.
According to government findings, currently, only around a third of construction products are regulated. Under the proposed regime, all construction products would be subject to new regulatory safety requirements, with risk-based obligations to ensure they are safe for their intended use.
The reforms also aim to provide clearer responsibilities and accountability across the supply chain, as well as stronger product testing, certification and oversight.
“Our vision for construction products reform is to create a trusted, proportionate regulatory system that ensures safe construction products, safely used,” the white paper states.
“This, in turn, will support the wider economy and give confidence to developers, enabling delivery of 1.5 million safe homes that residents can trust over this Parliament and beyond. It will also underpin our long-term vision for housing to be set out in our upcoming long-term housing strategy.”
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation on the proposed changes, with secondary legislation expected later this year and all changes introduced at the earliest opportunity, subject to Parliamentary time. The consultation closes on 20 May 2026.
Grenfell Tower recommendations
The proposals come as the government publishes the first annual report on the implementation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations.
The report sets out that 12 recommendations, including bringing government fire safety functions under the control of one department and the secretary of state, have been completed. More than 40 of the recommendations are also expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which delivered its final report in September 2024, outlined 58 recommendations, of which 37 were directed at the government, and 21 directed at other bodies and institutions.
Samantha Dixon, minister for building safety, fire and democracy, said: “We will never forget the tragedy of Grenfell and will continue working with the local community, industry and local authorities to deliver safer homes and lasting change.
“The failings outlined by the inquiry exposed fundamental issues in product, building and fire safety standards and through the Construction Products White Paper and our work to implement all the recommendations of the inquiry, we will create a better system for millions of people across the country.”
Thouria Istephan, interim chief construction adviser, said the announcements reflect 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,” Istephan added.
Five key groups critical to delivering reform
- Manufacturers and other economic operators (including distributors, merchants and importers) must take responsibility and ownership of product safety across the lifecycle and provide clear, accessible information to users.
- Construction industry and supply chain – including clients, designers, developers and contractors – must raise standards, ensure appropriate product use and drive competence and innovation. Reforms mean that accountability will extend across the value chain, with consequences for non-compliance.
- Those involved in standard setting, accreditation, testing and certification (BSI, UKAS and Conformity Assessment Bodies) must ensure rigorous, consistent standards and testing. Strengthened public sector testing capacity will support regulatory assurance and innovation.
- Regulators must use their new powers to improve monitoring, and to carry out effective enforcement to uphold safety and drive cultural change across the sector.
- Government must ensure the construction products regulatory regime is effective – driving safety, growth, and public and market confidence – by providing strategic oversight, monitoring system risks and leading policy development.
