Government seeks views on widening scope of products covered by law and simplifying enforcement.
The government is to launch three consultations on proposed new measures to further protect consumers from unsafe products. Businesses, consumer groups, stakeholders and the public more generally are invited to respond.
Photo by Patrick Tomasso / Unsplash
Existing legislation is, says the government, struggling to meet the challenges presented by increasingly globalised supply chains, rapid changes in technology and the rise of online shopping.
The proposed new measures, which can be introduced under powers in the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025, include applying the same safety standards to online sales as pertain to physical shops. The measures also aim to clarify the responsibilities of business, clamp down on unscrupulous sellers and strengthen protections for consumers.
The first consultation includes a framework for expanding the scope of consumer protections, addressing gaps in current legislation and updating the definition and assessment of a ‘safe’ product. It will also cover the responsibilities of businesses within the supply chain.
The second consultation covers reforms to simplify enforcement of the rules to ensure swift, consistent action.
The third consultation is more specific, addressing a review of the UK’s fire safety regulations relating to furniture.
All three consultations will be made available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ and will run until June 23, 2026.
Kate Dearden MP, Minister for Consumer Protection, says: ‘These reforms are about making our product safety system fit for the modern world – shutting loopholes, clamping down on unsafe online sales, and giving responsible businesses the certainty they need to grow. People need to trust the products they buy and use every day, so I’m urging consumer groups, businesses and the public to have their say and help us build a safer future.’
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