Suppliers, manufacturers and distributors
Your Role Under the BSA
Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and merchant all play a critical part in building safety. Under the BSA, supplying the wrong or unsafe product, or failing to provide traceable information, can put you at risk of enforcement action. Current regulations are widespread, and expected to grow significantly off the back of the proposals listed in the Construction Products Reform Green Paper. NFRC will keep Members updated on regulatory changes as they are unveiled.
Your responsibilities now include product safety, documentation, traceability, and reporting.
Product Safety & Performance
Design, testing and quality control
You must ensure that all construction products:
- Are designed and manufactured to meet performance standards
- Have passed relevant fire, load, durability, or weather tests
- Comply with regulatory marking (e.g. CE, UKCA)
If you supply or promote a product, you are liable if it’s not safe or if claims made are misleading.
Recordkeeping & Labelling
What must follow the product (digitally)
All safety-critical products must be supplied with:
- A unique identifier (e.g. batch number, QR code)
- DoP and test certificates
- Installation instructions
- Limits of use or approval scope
For complex systems (e.g. fire-rated cladding), this info should be accessible digitally, either via a platform, email, or scanable link.
How long to retain technical/batch info
Suppliers must retain records for at least 15 years, and up to 30 years for materials used in HRBs. This includes:
- Technical datasheets
- Product change logs
- Batch and distribution records
Incident & Risk Reporting
How and when to notify OPSS
If you become aware of a safety issue with a product you manufacture or supply, you must report it to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
This includes:
- Safety defects in fire performance
- Product recalls or failures in the field
- Misuse or misapplication that poses a risk
You are also expected to take immediate action to warn downstream users and remove unsafe stock.
Enforcement powers of the BSR and OPSS
- Conduct audits and inspections
- Impose stop notices or product recalls
- Refer individuals or companies for prosecution
Organisational Competence
Named Responsible Person
CPD for your technical/sales teams
Your sales and technical staff must understand the products they promote—including limitations of use and any updates to regulations. Regular CPD or product training is advised and may be requested during audits.
Further information on individual competence can be found here.
Legal Consequences
Recall orders, stop-sale notices
If your product is found to be unsafe, regulators can:
- Order a full recall (even from stockists or sites).
- Ban the sale of the product until issues are resolved.
- Demand updated testing before resuming sales.
Unlimited fines and criminal liability
Knowingly supplying unsafe or mislabelled products can lead to unlimited fines, director disqualification, and criminal charges. The BSA makes clear that suppliers are not immune from liability.