Product safety

Product safety is one of the most important areas of responsibility for the Trading Standards Department.

We deal with:

• Complaints about unsafe consumer products
• Sample products to ensure that they meet safety regulations
• Advise local businesses in relation to product safety law

When unsafe goods are found on sale, officers have the power to seize them or issue suspension notices, meaning they cannot be sold. If it is warranted, we arrange for products to be tested to determine if they comply with relevant safety standards. if they do not, the matter may be brought to the attention of the retailer and/or manufacturer. Where serious breaches of the law are found prosecution may result.

Examples of common safety problems include:

• Goods where there is a risk of an electric shock
• Flammable furniture
• Toys which present a choking hazard or have sharp edges

We also enforce the law on the sale and storage of fireworks.

Further information on product safety, including details of product recalls can be found at www.berr.gov.uk