Adapting to the Construction Product Reform Green Paper

The UK construction industry is at a turning point. The regulatory changes proposed in the Construction Product Reform Green Paper aim to fix the deep-rooted issues exposed by the Grenfell Tower fire. Failures in product testing, certification, and regulatory oversight highlighted major gaps in safety and accountability.

Now, the pressure is on manufacturers to meet stricter standards, improve transparency, and restore confidence across the supply chain.

Why this matters to manufacturers

At a recent seminar at UK Construction Week, Louise Barr, Deputy Director of Construction Products Reform at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), spoke candidly about the shortcomings in product safety and regulation that were exposed by the Grenfell tragedy.

“There is consensus around the fact that there’s a lack of confidence in the testing and certification regime,” she stated, highlighting the industry’s struggle with fragmented reform efforts and inconsistent safety measures.

For product manufacturers, these gaps in safety oversight are direct challenges to market confidence and regulatory approval. Without strict adherence to safety standards, manufacturers risk losing both trust and access to projects.

Therefore, clear product information, traceability, and third-party verification are essential for continuity and growth.

Key changes recommended in the Green Paper

The Green Paper sets out three main objectives aimed at addressing these gaps and strengthening the construction supply chain:

1. Ensuring safer products and their use:
   All construction products will need to comply with stricter safety requirements. A new General Safety Requirement will extend oversight to materials that previously fell outside of regulatory control.  For TRA members that means Spandrels and Gables as highlighted at the AGM.
2. Strengthening accountability across the supply chain:
   The reforms call for clear accountability from manufacturers to end-users, making sure that every party understands its responsibilities. For TRA members, this means not only ensuring compliance but also enhancing traceability and transparent product documentation.
3. Driving innovation and growth:
   The reforms are intended to improve safety standards while also supporting economic growth. Transparent information and third-party verification will be key drivers, helping UK-manufactured products stand out for their reliability and quality.

OPSS: Regulating now, not waiting

Duncan Johnson, Deputy Director of Construction Products Regulation at the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), made it clear that the OPSS is actively inspecting manufacturers and shutting down production lines where standards are not met.

“We’re not waiting for the new regulations,” he stated. “We find important problems, we fix them, and then we tell people,” Johnson summarised.

OPSS is taking action now, not waiting for new legislation to catch up. Those who fall short risk more than just reputational damage, they face immediate production halts and regulatory intervention. The time to act is now, not when new laws come into force.

How TRA members can secure their future

1. Engage with the Green Paper: The consultation is still open, and manufacturers must voice their perspectives. Amanda Long urged, “This is the first time I’ve seen a government genuinely ready to listen.”
2. Prepare for greater scrutiny: OPSS is already conducting spot inspections, often unannounced. Compliance is a requirement for market survival.
3. Invest in honest marketing and clear product information: The Green Paper calls for clearer, verified product information to restore trust in the sector.

Looking ahead

For TRA members, securing a place in this new environment means embracing change, engaging with regulators, and building robust compliance frameworks.

The consultation window for the Construction Product Reform Green Paper is closing on 21 May 2025.

TRA members are encouraged to contribute their insights and help shape the future of trussed rafter and spandrel panel manufacturing in the UK. Click here to share your views with the government.