Compliance Failures Highlight Risks for IGU Manufacturers

• 10 Mar 2026|
• Legislation and Regulations|
• Posted by Sam Cross

IGU manufacturers across the UK are facing increased scrutiny after a new report from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) revealed widespread compliance failures within the insulated glass sector. The findings highlight serious documentation and conformity issues that could disrupt production for IGU manufacturers, glass processors and fabricators operating in the glazing supply chain. The report, published on 5 March 2026, revealed that every heat-soaked insulated glass unit assessed during inspections failed compliance checks.

More concerning was the lack of required documentation across a large proportion of businesses inspected.

Why Documentation Matters for IGU Manufacturers

The OPSS inspection identified several critical areas where manufacturers were failing to meet regulatory requirements.

Key findings included:

• • 50% of companies could not produce a Declaration of Performance (DoP) when requested during inspection
  • 93% failed labelling requirements
  • 86% did not meet conformity marking obligations

  Under the Construction Products Regulations, manufacturers must maintain technical documentation and provide Declarations of Performance for products placed on the market.

  Without these records, regulators have the authority to prevent products from being supplied.

  Why the OPSS Report Is a Wake-Up Call for IGU Manufacturers

  Kevin Jones, Head of Technical at the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), said the findings should act as a clear warning to the industry. According to Jones, the problem is not necessarily that unsafe glass is being manufactured. Instead, the issue is that many companies have failed to maintain the documentation that proves compliance. In many cases, the glass itself may meet performance standards, but supporting documentation such as test evidence, labelling systems and declarations was incomplete or missing.

  This type of administrative failure can still trigger enforcement action.

  What the OPSS Findings Mean for IGU Manufacturers

  Where manufacturers cannot demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards, enforcement action can be taken. OPSS has the authority to stop products from entering the market if businesses cannot provide the required evidence of compliance. For IGU manufacturers and glass processors, this creates a significant operational risk.

  If documentation cannot be produced during inspection, production could be halted until compliance is demonstrated.

  What IGU Manufacturers Should Review Now

  The report highlights the importance of reviewing conformity systems across the glazing supply chain.

  Manufacturers should ensure they have:

  • Up-to-date Declarations of Performance
  • Correct product labelling and conformity marking
  • Evidence of initial type testing
  • Records of factory production control testing
  • Technical files aligned with current standards

  Many documentation systems were originally created when the Construction Products Regulations were introduced in 2013.

  However, product changes and evolving standards mean those systems must be regularly reviewed and updated.

  Compliance Is Not Just a Manufacturer Issue

  The responsibility does not stop with glass processors or IGU manufacturers. Fabricators and installers can also be exposed if documentation is missing or inaccurate within the supply chain. Without proper records showing that products have been tested and processed correctly, the legal protections normally provided by compliance documentation can disappear.

  Industry Support Available

  In response to the findings, the Glass and Glazing Federation is encouraging businesses to review their conformity systems immediately. GGF Consulting is already working with manufacturers, processors and fabricators to audit documentation, rebuild technical files and ensure compliance systems remain current.

  The goal is to ensure businesses maintain ongoing compliance systems capable of withstanding OPSS inspections.

  What This Means for the Sector

  For the UK glazing industry, the OPSS report highlights a growing regulatory focus on compliance and traceability. Manufacturers who maintain robust documentation and testing records will be better positioned to avoid disruption. Those who do not risk enforcement action that could restrict product supply or halt production.

  For businesses across the glass and glazing sector, this report serves as a clear reminder that compliance systems must be treated as a core operational process, not an administrative afterthought.

  Source

  The original OPSS report can be accessed via the UK government website here.

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  About the Author – Sam Cross

  Sam Cross is Commercial Director at Purplex and has spent more than 17 years helping businesses across the home improvement, glazing and construction sectors grow through smarter marketing. His experience covers content strategy, PR, lead generation, brand positioning and commercial growth, with a strong track record of supporting manufacturers, suppliers and installers across trade, retail, commercial and new-build markets.

  That sector knowledge gives Sam a practical understanding of how homeowners research, compare and buy products such as windows, doors, glazing and extensions. His work focuses on building campaigns that connect market insight with commercial outcomes, helping businesses improve lead quality, strengthen visibility and turn attention into enquiries.

  Connect with Sam on LinkedIn.

   

This entry was posted in Legislation and Regulations