In January 2025, the updated EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR-2024) came into force. 

From January 2026, it will apply in full. For UK manufacturers, distributors and importers of construction products, this is more than just another piece of European legislation. It marks a shift towards greater transparency, traceability and sustainability across the construction value chain and will shape market access for years to come. 

At GS1 UK, we’ve explored the latest GS1 in Europe position paper, "GS1 support for Construction Products Regulation (CPR-2024)", which explores how GS1 standards can support industry through this transition. 

Here’s what UK businesses need to know and the steps they can take today to prepare.

The GS1 in Europe paper identifies several major changes under CPR-2024: 

1. Stronger product declarations 

Manufacturers must prepare a Declaration of Performance and Conformity (DoPC) before placing a product on the market. These must be electronically accessible, machine-readable and directly linked to the physical product.

2. Sustainability disclosure 

For the first time, manufacturers will gradually be required to declare environmental performance, including lifecycle impacts. This supports Europe’s wider sustainability agenda and the shift towards a circular economy. 

3. Digital product passports (DPPs) 

Products covered by harmonised technical specifications will need a DPP, accessible through a data carrier such as a barcode or QR code. This allows instructions, safety information and sustainability data to travel with the product. 

4. Clearer labelling 

CE marking is now strictly tied to products with a valid DoPC. Some products will also carry labels such as “only for professional use” or environmental performance markings. 

5. Extended obligations across the value chain 

Importers, distributors and authorised representatives share responsibility for ensuring products meet the new requirements. They must maintain documentation, support traceability and flag potential risks. 

6. Spare parts availability 

Certain categories may require manufacturers to guarantee spare parts for up to ten years after the final product of that type is placed on the market.

The paper also highlights challenges: fragmented traceability, uneven levels of digital readiness and the risk that smaller firms may struggle to adapt quickly.

For UK businesses, the regulation is both a compliance obligation and an opportunity to:

• Streamline operations: digital, standardised product information reduces paperwork, speeds up processes and cuts errors
• Build trust: transparent data builds confidence among clients, regulators and end-users
• Support sustainability: environmental performance data helps demonstrate progress towards net zero goals
• Unlock future markets: aligning with international best practice positions UK firms competitively beyond Europe

GS1 standards are already embedded in industries worldwide to enable interoperability, transparency and traceability. The GS1 in Europe identifies several ways they directly support CPR-2024:

• Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN): provide a unique, globally recognised identifier for each product, batch or individual item that can be linked to declarations, instructions and digital product passports
• Global Location Numbers (GLN): identify manufacturers, importers, distributors and sites, making it easier to track responsibilities across the value chain
• QR codes powered by GS1: provide a gateway to digital product data, ensuring declarations and instructions are just a scan away
• GS1 Registry Platform (GRP): enables validation of identifiers and access to trusted data across borders
• EPCIS: a GS1 standard for capturing event data (who, what, when, where and why) critical for batch-level or item-level traceability

Together, these tools provide the building blocks for the digital product passports and traceability systems CPR-2024 requires.

So what practical steps should UK firms take now? 

1. Audit your current systems 

Review how you manage product data, declarations and documentation. Where are the gaps compared to the new CPR requirements? 

2. Adopt global identifiers 

Ensure every product and location is uniquely identified with GTINs and GLNs. This will be the foundation for digital product passports. 

3. Digitise declarations 

Move away from paper or PDF-only documentation. Make sure performance and conformity data is structured, machine-readable and linked directly to the product. 

4. Prepare for sustainability reporting 

Begin capturing environmental performance data now, even if not yet mandated for your product category. This will put you ahead of the curve. 

5. Collaborate across the chain 

Engage with suppliers, distributors and clients. Traceability only works if all parties commit to using interoperable standards. 

6. Leverage GS1 support 

Work with GS1 UK to license your company prefix, assign identifiers and connect with the global registry. Our team can guide you through the journey to compliance and beyond.

To explore the regulation in more detail and understand how GS1 standards can help, download the full GS1 in Europe position paper below.