UK launches product safety review covering online marketplaces and furniture rules

by Featured NewsResearchSafety

Product safety consultations open

The UK Government has opened three consultations on changes to product safety rules, including online marketplace obligations, enforcement reforms and a review of furniture fire safety regulations.

The Department for Business and Trade announced the proposals on 31 March 2026 using powers in the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025.

The measures would apply to products sold online so online marketplaces are held to the same standards for product safety as bricks and mortar stores.

The first consultation includes proposals to widen the scope of the new framework so it covers more products and reduces gaps in consumer protection.

It also includes proposals to update how a safe product is defined and assessed.

Definitions for businesses in scope would also be clarified so those involved in product supply have responsibility to protect consumers from dangerous products.

The Government said the current system has been stretched by globalised supply chains, technological change and the growth of online shopping.

It said serious incidents, including fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in products such as e-bikes, show the risks linked to unsafe products.

Kate Dearden MP, Minister for Consumer Protection, said: “These reforms are about making our product safety system fit for the modern world – shutting loopholes, clamping down on unsafe online sales, and giving responsible businesses the certainty they need to grow.

“People need to trust the products they buy and use every day, so I’m urging consumer groups, businesses and the public to have their say and help us build a safer future.”

Enforcement and labelling proposals

The Department for Business and Trade also published a second consultation on reforms intended to simplify enforcement of product safety rules.

The proposals are intended to support consistent and swift action when issues are found.

Alongside this, the Government said it will introduce legislation to give businesses more flexibility in how certain products are labelled.

This would allow information such as the UKCA marking and importer details to be provided in different physical formats and in digital form.

The Government is also consulting on extending digital labelling flexibility to additional products and businesses.

Furniture fire safety review

A third consultation published on the same day will review the UK’s furniture fire safety regulations.

All three consultations are open for 12 weeks and will close on 23 June 2026.

The Government has invited stakeholders, businesses, consumer groups and members of the public to respond.

Responses to the consultations will inform the next stage of the Government’s proposed regulatory changes.

New construction product PAS 2000 links Grenfell recommendations with UK reform

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Construction products PAS 2000 published by BSI

A new framework designed to strengthen product safety and support regulatory reform across the built environment sector has been published following a recommendation that came out of the Grenfell Inquiry.

BSI stated that PAS 2000, Construction products – Bringing safe products to market – Code of practice, sets a practical framework for construction product manufacturers to demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to best ensure products placed on the market are safe for their intended use.

The code of practice was sponsored by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

The PAS aligns with Recommendation 3.3 of the Morrell-Day Review which called for industry collaboration with BSI to produce guidance on the due diligence expected when placing a construction product on the market.

Link to Grenfell and construction product regulatory reform

The PAS was developed following recommendations in the Morrell-Day Testing for a Safer Future report and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report.

It also responds to the UK Government’s programme of construction product regulatory reform.

BSI said this included the launch of the Construction Product white paper on 25 February.

Ian Richardson, Sector Lead, BSI said: “This publication reflects our clear commitment to responding constructively to the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and Morrell-Day Review, and to supporting safety across the built environment.

“At a time of significant regulatory reform, PAS 2000 has been developed to support greater transparency, accountability and due diligence across the supply chain.

“By setting clear expectations and good practice, manufacturers and other economic operators should be empowered to embed robust product safety governance and align with evolving regulatory requirements.

“We encourage organizations across the built environment sector to engage with the standard and support its adoption.”

Launch event scheduled for 10 March

BSI said it will host a launch event on 10 March to explain the background to the development of PAS 2000 and outline the structure, content and practical benefits of the standard.

The event is also set to clarify how organisations can implement the framework and provide an opportunity for questions and industry engagement.

Speakers are due to include representatives from OPSS, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Dr Hywel Davies OBE as the technical author for PAS 2000.

The standard and its launch event are positioned as part of ongoing construction product regulatory reform work.

BSI confirms March launch event for new construction product guidance

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Launch of PAS 2000 construction code

A free London event will mark the launch of PAS 2000:2026 on Tuesday 10 March 2026.

The British Standards Institute (BSI) has opened booking for the event.

The launch will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 at the Royal College of Pathologists, Events@No.6, 6 Alie Street, London, E1 8QT.

Registration, refreshments and networking are scheduled to begin at 9:30am, with a formal welcome at 10:00am.

The programme then moves to a sponsor contribution, an overview of PAS 2000 and a session on construction product reform, followed by a panel Q&A and closing remarks before the 11:30am finish.

What the code covers

BSI said the code of practice was developed in response to recommendations on construction product safety information from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Morrell/Day report, Testing for a safer future.

PAS 2000 is aimed at organisations that manufacture, specify, test or procure construction products.

BSI said: “describes the framework against which manufacturers can show they have taken all reasonable steps to ensure their products are safe for their intended uses.”

The standard sets out expectations for providing comprehensive, accurate and reliable evidence about product safety and performance, including information used to support product claims.

The event materials state that the code is intended to help users align with recent industry reforms and government recommendations on construction products.

Speakers and practical focus

BSI listed the speakers as Ian Richardson, Built Environment Sector Lead at BSI, Hywel Davies OBE, technical author of PAS 2000 and Geoff Brown, Assistant Director at the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

Richardson has responsibility for standards related to construction products and competence within BSI Knowledge Solutions.

Davies has been involved in building safety reform, construction product testing and digital information standards, including work linked to the Morrell/Day review.

Brown leads work in the Office for Product Safety and Standards construction products team, having moved into that role in February 2021.

The event will cover what PAS 2000 includes, who it is for and how the framework can be used in practice to evidence product safety.

The launch places PAS 2000 alongside ongoing construction product reforms with a structured way to evidence safety.

Building safety expert urges UK government for interim product-safety measures ahead of elections

by Featured NewsSafety

Urgent call for interim safety measures

Former government construction adviser Paul Morrell has called on the UK government to implement temporary safety measures for product testing in the construction industry.

This plea comes as Morrell expressed doubt about comprehensive action being taken before the upcoming general election.

Last year, Morrell authored a report for the government, recommending numerous improvements to the current safety testing regime, brought to light by the Grenfell tragedy.

Speaking at the Futurebuild conference on 5 March, Morrell highlighted the government’s lack of action since his report, noting his uncertainty about forthcoming changes.

Proposal for a general safety requirement

Morrell proposed a general safety requirement, to be formulated with the industry’s input, as a provisional solution to enhance the safety of building products.

He stated: “I’ve written to [the government] to suggest that, recognising that nothing is going to happen this side of an election – and you can shout at the industry but that doesn’t help – you will just say ‘we are minded to introduce a general safety requirement.

“And we are minded to have a concept of safety-critical products, which need a higher level of care’.”

He emphasised the need for the industry to lead the discussion on new checks for pre-market risk assessment, especially for safety-critical products.

Challenges in construction product standards

The report, titled ‘Testing for a Safer Future’, co-written with legal expert Anneliese Day, was published last April.

It scrutinised the ability of regulators to enforce higher standards and highlighted the failure of certification bodies to revamp operations post-Grenfell.

Morrell also addressed the need for clarity on whether the UK will adhere to EU product-testing rules or establish its own standards post-Brexit.

He pointed out the opportunities and risks associated with diverging from the European CE mark, particularly in setting new standards for product toxicity.

Construction product certification and UK’s post-Brexit approach

The ongoing debate on construction product certification standards post-Brexit was also a focus.

Firms have been warned that the government’s pledge to allow indefinite use of the European CE mark regime doesn’t extend to construction products.

According to Morrell, UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) standards will be required after 30 June 2025, presenting both opportunities and risks for UK policy on product certification.

IFSJ Comment

The call by Paul Morrell for interim product-safety measures in construction ahead of the UK general election underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive steps in building safety.

His recommendations highlight the challenges in establishing robust product standards and the complexities arising from Brexit.

These developments remind us of the ongoing responsibility of governments, industry stakeholders, and regulators to ensure the safety and well-being of the public through effective safety regulations and standards.

It’s crucial for all parties involved to collaborate and contribute towards creating a safer construction environment.

NFCC urges changes in product safety laws

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSafety

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has recently called for significant enhancements to product safety legislation.

This move comes as a response to two new government consultations aimed at modernizing these laws, specifically focusing on the regulatory framework for product safety and fire safety regarding domestic upholstered furniture.

These consultations are a part of efforts led by the Department for Business and Trade.

Government consultations underpin NFCC’s push for reform

The NFCC’s recent push for improvements in product safety laws is underpinned by its participation in two new government consultations.

These consultations, organized by the Department for Business and Trade, are centred on modernizing legislation related to product and fire safety, with a particular focus on domestic upholstered furniture.

This initiative represents a proactive effort by the NFCC to influence the shaping of more effective safety regulations in this domain.

Product safety laws: NFCC’s role in advocating for safer products

The NFCC plays a crucial role in advocating for safer products, especially in the realm of fire safety.

Their active participation in government consultations and their call for enhanced legislation highlight their commitment to improving safety standards.

This involves a detailed examination of current regulatory frameworks and proposing necessary reforms to ensure higher safety standards, particularly in household products like upholstered furniture that pose significant fire risks.

IFSJ Comment

The National Fire Chiefs Council‘s call for improvements in product safety laws marks a significant step towards enhancing fire safety standards in domestic environments.

The focus on upholstered furniture, in particular, highlights a critical area where fire risks can be significantly mitigated through better regulations.

This initiative by the NFCC underscores the ongoing efforts to make homes and communities safer from fire hazards.

It also reflects a broader commitment to public safety, showing the integral role of such councils in shaping policies that have a direct impact on the wellbeing of citizens.

The proactive approach of the NFCC in participating in government consultations exemplifies how collaborative efforts between various stakeholders can lead to meaningful reforms.

As we move forward, the outcomes of these consultations and the subsequent changes in legislation will be crucial in determining how effectively we can reduce fire risks in homes across the nation.