Product Safety

Trading Standards role in Product Safety

Product Safety is an extremely important area of responsibility for the Trading Standards Service.

Since the introduction of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, and the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, there has been an increase in the provision for safety of consumer goods. The Trading Standards Service has an important role in supporting and advising businesses, as well as cracking down on unsafe products and unscrupulous traders. 

There has been a number of regulations made under the Consumer Protection Act to legislate on particular types of goods such as:

• Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.
• Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995.
• Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994.
• Plugs and Sockets Etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994.
• Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995.
• Bunk Beds (Entrapment Hazard) (Safety) Regulations 1987.
• Cosmetic Product (Safety) Regulations 2008.            

and many more.

More product safety information is available on the Trading Standards Institute website:

• Use this link to see a short summary of specific product safety information: Link to Product Safety Information

• Use this link to view product recalls and safety notices:  Link to the recall list

European Legislation

The increase in European directives being enacted by UK regulations, for example Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2005, has also meant a wider role for Trading Standards Officers, and an important role also in supporting and advising businesses, as well as cracking down on unsafe products and unscrupulous traders.

UK Regulations which implement EU Directives are becoming an important area of trading standards responsibility. The Regulations deal with a very wide and varied range of products and attempt to reduce the barriers to trade through 'Essential Safety Requirements'.

Some examples of the regulations already implemented:

• Medical Devices Regulations 1994.
• Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2006.
• Personal Protective Equipment (EC Directive) Regulations 1992.
• Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.

Useful Links

If you would like further information we recommend visiting the following websites:

• legislation.gov.uk 
  Provides full text of Acts of Parliament and Statutory Instruments 
  
• Trading Standards Institute   
  A one stop shop for consumer protection information in the UK. Provides information for businesses and consumers.
  
• Office of Fair Trading (OFT) 
  'The OFT's mission is to make markets work well for consumers. They achieve this by promoting and protecting consumer interests throughout the UK, while ensuring that businesses are fair and competitive.'
  
• Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS)
  The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is making a difference by supporting sustained growth and higher skills across the economy.