12 weeks to have your say on product information reforms

It should be noted that MHCLG welcomed industry efforts “to agree, define and create the appropriate data structures or templates, and supporting standards, processes and tools that enable well-functioning information flows that support safe decision-making”.

To set context, the MHCLG noted that the green paper’s proposals on improved digital accessibility to information drew significant support. Improved traceability supporting the golden thread was highlighted as a key benefit, while many responses also noted the potential for enhanced safety and compliance and emphasised how it could support a circular economy.

Green paper respondents expressed caution around issues of data ownership, maintenance and verification of information, and raised concerns about cybersecurity and the need to safeguard intellectual property in any digital infrastructure. Implementation challenges, such as cost, resource and the logistics of labelling products, were also raised. Another concern raised was the risk of digital exclusion due to the inconsistency of digital capability across the sector.

Green paper respondents also noted the complexity of the current landscape, including diverse and overlapping existing databases and catalogues, standards, formats and templates, each with their own scope, priorities and approaches. “It will be a significant undertaking to align the sector in a standardised digital approach, while encouraging innovation,” the MHCLG said.

Concerns about digital competence across the construction products sector are on the MHCLG’s radar. “The national regulator for construction products has commissioned research to understand the barriers to digitalisation across the construction products sector. We will use the outcome of that research to guide future work with the Construction Leadership Council, industry and the Department for Business and Trade to further support manufacturers to improve their digital capability.”

The white paper restates the plans for a construction product information library – as previously set out in the green paper. The MHCLG noted feedback to the idea: “The majority of [green paper] respondents spoke positively of the proposal to develop a library and contributed suggestions for its development and use. They also pointed out challenges with implementation and upkeep, including noting the ‘mammoth task’ of compiling and updating a library if it captured all the information explored as options in the green paper. Concerns about implementation included legal and confidentiality issues, funding and administrative burdens on manufacturers, trust and verification of data.”

Also, there were different interpretations of what the most effective construction library might look like, ranging from a comprehensive database of product information to a targeted information hub.

Thus, the MHCLG is proposing a phased approach, “targeting interventions we can make now while supporting wider digitalisation, including looking for opportunities for interoperability or alignment between reporting systems to reduce overall administrative burden”.

This will include:

Product marketing remains in the MHCLG’s scope. “We will also make clear our expectations that product information should be clear, accurate and up-to-date, honest and evidenced. These requirements will extend to marketing materials and advice as well as technical product information,” the MHCLG said. Indeed, it noted that “many respondents [to the green paper] provided examples of manufacturers using vague language, ambiguous technical terms and selective information when promoting products”.

The white paper reiterates the government’s plan to remain aligned with the EU’s plan for digital product passports, “where it is in line with our objectives for safe products, safely used”.

In reference to test results, the white paper sets out the government’s desire for consistency. “We expect to see manufacturers develop and adopt a protocol to provide a consistent format for presenting test information. This would help to address issues with the variability in the amount and format of test information, which makes it difficult for those selecting products to compare information. We will legislate to mandate the disclosure of test results if industry fails to step up.”

You can submit your feedback on the planned reforms via the MHCLG’s online survey platform. The deadline for responses is 20 May.

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