The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is encouraging businesses across the glass and glazing industry to begin preparing for the next phase of construction product reform, following the publication of its new guidance on PAS 2000:2026. The guidance has been developed to help members understand how the voluntary Code of Practice fits within the wider programme of regulatory change currently taking place across the construction products sector.
PAS 2000:2026 provides a risk-based framework to help manufacturers demonstrate that construction products are safe before they are placed on the UK market. While the Code of Practice is voluntary, it reflects the direction of travel for future construction product regulation and promotes good practice in areas including product testing, factory production control, product information and market feedback.
The GGF believes understanding PAS 2000 now will help businesses prepare for future regulatory developments and review whether their existing processes already align with the framework.
Kevin Jones, Technical Director at the Glass and Glazing Federation, said: "Construction product reform is one of the biggest changes our industry has faced in recent years. While PAS 2000 is a voluntary Code of Practice, it provides a practical framework that helps businesses understand the direction of travel and review the systems they already have in place.”
"For many organisations, this will not mean starting from scratch. Existing quality management systems and factory production control procedures may already cover many of the principles set out in PAS 2000. The important step is understanding where your business is today and identifying whether there are any gaps that need to be addressed as regulation continues to evolve."
The Federation's position document encourages members to review their existing Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Factory Production Control (FPC) procedures against the recommendations within PAS 2000. Carrying out a gap analysis can help businesses identify where existing processes already support the framework and where further work may be beneficial.
The publication also highlights the close relationship between PAS 2000 and the Government's wider programme of construction product reform, including proposals relating to the General Safety Requirement, which is expected to play an increasingly important role in regulating construction products in the future.
Kevin continued: "The regulatory landscape is continuing to develop, and businesses that take the time to understand these changes now will be in a stronger position as further requirements are introduced. Our role is to help members navigate that journey by providing practical guidance and keeping them informed as new information becomes available."
The GGF will continue to monitor developments in construction product reform and provide members with guidance and updates as further legislation and supporting documentation are published.
For more information visit ggf.org.uk
