Product Safety

Trading Standards

At present, product safety is arguably one of the most important areas of responsibilities for the Trading Standards service.

With the introduction of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, and the General Product Safety Regulations 1994, 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:

• The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.
• The Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 Implementing Council Directive 88/378/EEC.
• The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994.
• The Plugs and Sockets Etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994.
• The Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995.
• The Bunk Beds (Entrapment Hazard) (Safety) Regulations 1987.
• The Cosmetic Product (Safety) Regulations 1989.

and many more.

European Legislation

The increase in European directives being enacted by UK regulations, for example Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 1992, 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 100A 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 1992.
• Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992.
• Supply of Machinery Regulations 1992.
• Simple Pressure Vessels Regulations 1991.

Further Information

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

• Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO)
  Provides full text of Acts of Parliament from 1988, plus access to Inforoute, the Government's Information Asset Register.
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
  Defra works for the essentials of life - water, food, air, land, people, animals and plants
• Trading Standards Central
  A one stop shop for consumer protection information in the UK. Provides information for businesses and consumers.
• HM Customs and Excise
  Provides information and advice for the public and for businesses.
• Office of Fair Trading (OFT)
  The OFT is designed with two purposes: to protect consumers and explain their rights; and to ensure that businesses compete and operate fairly.
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
  Working with businesses, employees and consumers to drive up UK productivity and competitiveness to deliver prosperity for all.
• Food Standards Agency (FSA)
  An independent food safety watchdog set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.