RIDBA is increasingly concerned about a growing trend presenting both commercial and safety challenges for the steel building sector.
There has been a noticeable rise in steel kit buildings being advertised and sold through auction platforms without appropriate CE or UKCA marking, despite this being a legal requirement for structural steel products placed on the UK market.
While these buildings may appear attractive from a cost perspective, many are entering the market without the certification necessary to demonstrate compliance with BS EN 1090 and associated regulations. Without verified assurance of structural performance and safety, what initially appears to be a bargain could expose purchasers to significant financial, legal and safety risks.
In response, RIDBA has established a dedicated working group focused on understanding the scale of the issue, engaging with stakeholders and identifying opportunities for RIDBA members within a market increasingly distorted by non-compliant alternatives.
RIDBA is also continuing to work with Dorset Trading Standards to identify and investigate suspected cases of non-compliance across the UK. However, the nature of online and national auction platforms means the challenge extends well beyond local enforcement activity alone.
Encouragingly, RIDBA maintains an active dialogue with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), which recognises this as a genuine and growing concern within the sector. As part of this ongoing engagement, RIDBA has recently responded to an OPSS survey seeking industry feedback on compliance with BS EN 1090 and wider enforcement challenges.
These discussions represent an important step towards a more coordinated approach to market oversight and enforcement, and RIDBA remains committed to working collaboratively with regulators and industry partners to uphold standards across the sector.
RIDBA will continue to advocate for fair competition, stronger enforcement and improved compliance throughout the industry.
For anyone considering purchasing a steel building, the message remains clear: choose compliance, choose quality, choose a RIDBA member.
