UltraCrete welcomes National Highways’ Guidance on Product Certification

UltraCrete has welcomed new guidance from National Highways, providing much-needed clarity for the UK’s highways sector following the suspension of the British Board of Agrément’s (BBA) Highway Authority Product Approval Scheme (HAPAS) and the withdrawal of XIAS-PTS from product certification services.

The recent changes left the industry facing significant uncertainty around the approval of products used across the UK road network, with no independent organisation currently able to issue new PAS or HAPAS product certifications.

As a market-leading manufacturer of highway maintenance solutions, UltraCrete recognised the potential impact this could have on contractors, local authorities and road users. The company actively encouraged National Highways to provide clear guidance to the industry, helping to ensure confidence could be maintained while a long-term solution is established.

National Highways has now confirmed that existing valid BBA and XAIS-PTS certificates will continue to be recognised, provided they remain current and have not been withdrawn or suspended. The guidance provides reassurance that products with valid certification can continue to demonstrate compliance with the relevant requirements for National Highways schemes.

The announcement provides important reassurance for the highways industry, allowing ongoing projects to continue with greater confidence while protecting the integrity of product acceptance requirements.

Commenting on the announcement, Richard Moss, Head of Civils at UltraCrete, said: “The suspension of the BBA’s HAPAS accreditation and the withdrawal of XAIS-PTS created considerable uncertainty across the highways industry. Independent product certification plays a vital role in maintaining confidence, quality and safety within the UK’s road network.

“We felt it was important that the industry received clear guidance, so we encouraged National Highways to provide an interim position while the wider certification landscape evolves. We’re delighted they have listened and acted quickly.

“This guidance gives manufacturers, contractors and specifiers the clarity they need, confirming that existing valid certificates remain recognised. It allows the industry to continue operating with confidence while longer-term certification arrangements are considered.”

UltraCrete remains committed to supporting the highways sector through technical expertise and high-quality accredited products. They will continue to work alongside customers, industry bodies and National Highways to help ensure robust product assurance remains at the heart of UK highway maintenance.

For further information about UltraCrete’s range of highway maintenance solutions, please visit ultracrete.co.uk. You can contact their team of product experts by emailing ultracrete@instarmac.co.uk or calling 01827 254402.