Product Safety
Many people are injured each year due to faulty consumer goods.
Product safety involves ensuring all goods on sale to the public are safe for their intended use.
The responsibility to supply safe consumer goods applies all the way down from the manufacturer to the retailer.
This means, that products being sold should comply with any relevant legislation.
Legal requirements are the same whether you supply goods from a premises, home, a stall or via online platforms.
Find product safety guidance for different types of products here:
The following links may also help provide information on your product safety requirements:
- Product safety advice for businesses (GOV.UK)
- Product safety quick guide (Business Companion)
- Product safety advice for businesses in Northern Ireland (NI Business Info)
Guidance on the regulation of e-cigarettes is available here:
MHRA is the competent authority for the notification scheme for e-cigarettes and refill containers in the UK.
This link may also be useful:
Product recalls and safety notices are made by traders about products that have problems which could affect the safety of the consumer.
You can find current recalls and safety notices here:
You can also sign up to get updates about safety repairs and recalls by registering your appliances.
Register here:
What we do:
We are responsible for enforcing consumer goods safety rules and helping to protect people from unsafe products.
We:
- Respond to consumer complaints.
- Carry out programmed inspections of premises to ensure goods on sale are safe.
- Provide advice to suppliers about legislation.
- Sample consumer goods to ensure they meet required standards of safety.
Other Useful links:
Trading Standards promotes fair trading, protects consumers and supports reputable businesses in Northern Ireland.
For Trading Standards information, visit the Northern Ireland Trading Standards Service website.
The Consumer Council provide free, independent support and advice for all consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland.
They can also investigate complaints about energy, water, transport and postal services.
For general consumer advice, visit the Consumer Council website.
Contact us
If you would like further information on any of the information on this page please contact your local Environmental Health office on T: 0300 124 5000