Product Safety
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.
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'.
For more information about product safety see the Business Link website
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