At present, product safety is arguably one of the most important areas of responsibility for the Trading Standards service.
With the introduction of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, there has been an increase in the provision for controls over the 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. We do this by investigating complaints, carrying out inspections, taking samples and producing guidance information.
There have been a number of regulations made under the Consumer Protection Act to legislate on particular types of goods. These include:
- The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988
- The Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995
- 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 Products (Safety) Regulations 2008.
European legislation
The increase in European directives being enacted by UK regulations has also meant a greater role for Trading Standards officers. They have responsibility for enforcing legislation relating to a much wider range of consumer products.
UK regulations that implement EU 100A directives are now an important area of trading standards responsibility. These types of regulations deal with a very wide and varied range of products. They aim to reduce the barriers to trade through 'essential safety requirements'.
Some examples of the regulations already implemented:
- Medical Devices Regulations 2002
- Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2005
- Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002
- Supply of Machinery Regulations 1992
- Simple Pressure Vessels Regulations 1991.
Further information