On 3 November 2026, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published its reponse to a consultation on changes to the UK’s asbestos regulations, alongside new legislation amending the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).
If you own, manage, or look after a commercial building, these updates are important. They also affect asbestos removal contractors, surveyors, analysts and health and safety professionals.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and what’s staying the same.
1. Greater independence for asbestos clearance assessments
When asbestos removal work is completed, a four-stage clearance process is carried out to establish whether the area is safe for reoccupation.
What is changing: Starting 25 November 2027, the employer responsible for ensuring the area has been cleaned will no longer be allowed to appoint the person carrying out the clearance assessment.
Why it matters: This strengthens independence and removes potential conflicts of interest. The appointed organisation must meet the relevant ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.
Importantly, the legislation does not specifically require the building owner to appoint or pay the inspector directly. The key requirement is independence from the employer responsible for the cleaning.
2. No new legal requirement for asbestos surveyor accreditation
The HSE looked at making formal accreditation (ISO/IEC 17020) a strict legal requirement for all asbestos surveyors.
What is happening: This will not become a new legal requirement. However, the HSE continues to strongly recommend using UKAS-accredited organisations and will publish clearer guidance to help dutyholders identify competent surveyors.
3. Notifiable Non-Licenced Work (NNLW) rules remain
NNLW is a category of asbestos work that does not require a licenced contractor but still carries additional legal requirements, including notification to the relevant enforcing authority.
What is happening: The HSE is keeping this rule as it is. However, they will release simpler, clearer guides to help businesses understand when it applies to them.
Three simple steps to prepare now
Even though the main legal change does not start until November 2027, there are steps you can take now:
Review your contracts: Ensure asbestos removal contractors and clearance assessors are appointed independently.
Check your surveyors: Use competent, suitably qualified surveyors and, wherever possible, UKAS-accredited organisations.
Review your asbestos management plan: Make sure relevant staff and contractors understand their responsibilities and are aware of the forcoming changes.
The key message
Effective asbestos management is essential to protecting workers and building occupants. Reviewing your arrangements now will help ensure you are prepared for the forthcoming regulatory changes.
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