A False Economy the UK can No Longer Afford

Non-Compliant Pumps: A false economy the UK can no longer afford

By Wayne Rose, CEO, British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA)

Circulation pumps may not grab headlines, but they are the beating heart of heating and hot water systems across the UK. In both homes and commercial buildings, their performance directly affects energy consumption, running costs, and long-term reliability. Yet our market is increasingly threatened by a flood of cheap, non-compliant imports from the Far East—products that fail to meet the safety and efficiency standards required by UK law.

This is not just a technical problem. It is a consumer issue, a business issue, and an environmental issue that undermines the UK’s drive toward net zero.

Enforcement Must Catch Up

Setting standards is only half the battle. Without robust enforcement, those standards are meaningless. At present, too many non-compliant pumps are slipping through the net. UK authorities must do more—both to intercept these products at the border and to remove existing stock from merchant shelves and distributor catalogues.

Leaving non-compliant pumps in the marketplace misleads customers and penalises responsible manufacturers who play by the rules. Stronger, more visible enforcement is the only way to protect both consumers and the industry.

The Illusion of Cheap Pumps

The lure of a lower price tag is understandable, but it comes at a cost. Non-compliant pumps typically underperform on durability and efficiency. In reality, the bulk of a pump’s lifetime cost lies in the energy it consumes, not its upfront price.

Choosing a substandard pump locks in higher running costs for years. What looks like a saving at the checkout quickly turns into a drain on household budgets and commercial operating costs alike.

Energy Wasted, Targets Jeopardised

The UK’s installed base of circulator pumps—domestic and commercial—consumes vast amounts of electricity. Every percentage point of efficiency matters. Each non-compliant pump sold locks in unnecessary energy waste for its entire working life.

If the UK is serious about reaching its net zero targets, tackling this issue must be a priority. Eliminating non-compliant pumps from the supply chain is one of the simplest, most effective ways to cut carbon emissions.

BPMA Will Not Relent

The British Pump Manufacturers Association remains fully committed to lobbying Government, regulators, and enforcement agencies to act. We will continue to highlight the risks posed by these products and push for decisive measures to protect both customers and the climate.

This is not just about fair competition. It is about safeguarding consumers, reducing energy costs, and supporting national climate goals. The message is clear: non-compliant pumps are a false economy the UK can no longer afford.