The Product Regulation and Metrology Act has received royal assent. The act is aimed at holding online marketplaces to the same high standards as traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers and forms a key part of the government’s ongoing Plan for Change.
The act gives regulatory authorities enhanced powers to tackle unsafe products, especially those sold via online marketplaces. These new powers are designed to address growing safety concerns connected to products such as lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters, an area of increasing incidents.
Under the new framework, online marketplaces will be expected to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers, ensure all sellers on their platforms comply with product safety obligations, provide clear information to consumers about products and work closely with regulators to address risks and ensure ongoing compliance.
“By giving regulators the teeth to clamp down on unsafe products, we’re ensuring people can shop with confidence whether online or on the high street,” said Product Safety Minister Justin Madders, “This will establish a level playing field and mean online marketplaces are held to the same high standards as bricks-and-mortar shops, ensuring we back businesses and protect consumers as part of our Plan for Change.”
Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?, added, “For too long, consumers have been exposed to dangerous – and in some cases lethal – products. The Product Regulation and Metrology Act has the potential to be a game changer for consumer safety. The government must act fast to clarify definitions, introduce clear duties for online marketplaces, and empower regulators to issue heavy fines for those who fall short.”
Chief Executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, John Herriman, said, “We welcome the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill gaining Royal Assent as a positive step forward in ensuring the UK maintains strong, modern protections for consumers…We look forward to working closely with the government and stakeholders to ensure that the laws that follow are implemented effectively.”