The UK Government has published its Construction Products Reform White Paper, setting out far-reaching proposals to overhaul the construction products regulatory regime.
The reforms follow findings from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and represent a fundamental shift towards a safety-led system designed to restore confidence, strengthen accountability and improve transparency across the entire construction products supply chain.
For manufacturers, suppliers, designers and contractors operating in the masonry sector, the proposals signal significant change.
A New Safety-Focused Framework
At the heart of the White Paper is a move away from a regime primarily focused on facilitating trade, towards one centred on safety, accountability and public protection.
The Government proposes that:
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All construction products placed on the market will be regulated, not just those currently covered by designated standards.
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A new General Safety Requirement (GSR) will apply to products not covered by designated standards, requiring manufacturers to assess and manage safety risks before placing products on the market.
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Clearer legal duties will apply across the supply chain, including to manufacturers, importers and distributors.
For masonry product manufacturers, this may mean additional documentation, risk assessment and compliance processes where products fall outside existing harmonised standards.
Stronger Testing, Certification and Oversight
The White Paper proposes substantial reform of testing and certification systems, including:
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A new licensing regime for Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs).
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Stronger oversight of certification and testing activities.
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Increased public sector testing capacity to support enforcement and assurance.
These measures aim to ensure that product performance claims are robust, transparent and independently verified.
Improved Product Information and Digital Traceability
Greater transparency is another core theme. Proposals include:
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Enhanced requirements for clear, accessible safety information.
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Improved sharing of test results and certification data.
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Development of more robust digital systems, potentially including a digital product library and improved traceability mechanisms.
For the masonry sector, this aligns with the growing importance of digital product data, specification accuracy and accountability within the building safety regime.
Tougher Enforcement and Sanctions
The reforms would significantly strengthen enforcement powers, introducing:
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New criminal offences for non-compliance.
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Civil penalties and potential director disqualification.
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Broader investigatory and intervention powers for regulators.
This reflects a clear intention to deter unsafe practices and ensure meaningful consequences for regulatory breaches.
Sustainability and the Future Regulatory Landscape
The White Paper also signals an intention to integrate environmental and sustainability considerations more directly into product regulation, including support for carbon reduction and circular economy objectives.
Implementation will be phased, with further primary and secondary legislation anticipated following consultation.
What Happens Next?
The White Paper is currently out for consultation, with responses invited until 20 May 2026.
The Masonry Association will be reviewing the proposals carefully and engaging with members to assess the potential impact on our sector. We encourage members to consider how these reforms may affect manufacturing processes, product certification, documentation requirements and supply chain responsibilities.
Further updates will be provided as the consultation progresses.
