ASBP recently hosted a Members’ Hour to explore the Government’s Construction Products Reform White Paper and the parallel consultation on the proposed General Safety Requirement (GSR).
These consultations represent one of the most significant proposed changes to construction products regulation in recent years, building on the recommendations of the Hackitt Review and subsequent work to improve safety, accountability and trust across the sector.
Key themes discussed
Given the scale and detail of the White Paper, the session focused on several key areas most relevant to members:
- The proposed General Safety Requirement (GSR) and its impact on product scope.
- Product information and transparency, including digital labelling and traceability.
- Testing, certification and regulatory oversight.
- Sustainability and environmental performance, including alignment with EU developments.
A central discussion point was the proposed GSR, which would apply to construction products not currently covered by designated standards. Notably, it is estimated that over half of all construction products could fall within scope, significantly expanding regulatory coverage.
The GSR consultation also introduces more detailed proposals on responsibilities across the supply chain, including manufacturers, importers and distributors, alongside strengthened enforcement measures. Members highlighted both the potential to improve confidence in products and concerns around proportionality, particularly for SMEs and innovative materials.
Product data and digitalisation
The White Paper places strong emphasis on improving product information. Proposals include:
- Digital product information linked via unique identifiers.
- Greater transparency around testing and certification.
- Development of digital standards and potential future product passports.
Members discussed the importance of ensuring that improved data supports better decision-making without creating unnecessary burden.
Sustainability and circularity
Sustainability was another key area of discussion. The White Paper signals increasing alignment with the revised EU Construction Products Regulation, including the introduction of environmental performance requirements for products covered by future standards.
However, for products outside designated standards, the approach is currently more voluntary, with encouragement to adopt methodologies such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
The treatment of used and reclaimed products was also highlighted, particularly in relation to the GSR proposals, with important implications for circular economy practices.
Next steps
The consultation closes on 20th May 2026, and ASBP encourages all members to review the proposals and consider submitting their own responses.
ASBP will continue to engage with the detail of the consultation over the coming weeks and will be in touch with members to explore specific areas further. We aim to share a summary of the key points from our response in the week commencing 11 May.
If you would like to share your views or discuss any aspect of the consultation, please do get in touch – richard@asbp.org.uk.