Product safety legislation transcript

This video transcript is for the Product safety legislation video.

[Title card and female voiceover] Want to ensure that the products you are importing are safe? Good for you! Mistakes can be very costly leading to delays fines or legal action. In some cases the destruction of your goods.

[Animated scene of lorry importing goods]

[Female voiceover] Products arriving in the UK are subject to controls by market surveillance authorities including Trading Standards. This is to ensure that they meet the requirements of all applicable safety legislation before being released onto the market.

Bottom line is the law states any goods must be safe for the consumer to use. Important factors when deciding whether a product is safe are:

• the characteristics of a product
• how it's made
• it's packaging and any instructions for assembly
• the effect of the product on other products it is used with
• it's presentation such as labelling warnings and any instructions for use and disposal
• the types of consumers using the product such as children, the elderly or disabled.

Laws cover specific product types like toys, cosmetics, electrical equipment for example. These laws are technical and can be complex but businesses must ensure that goods they import comply with the appropriate legislation.

[Animated scene of goods being seized]

[Female voiceover] So before you make the choice to import make some checks. Don't wait for your profits and reputation to go on in smoke.

For more information search on www.gov.uk or contact Trading Standards for advice on product safety legislation and compliance.

Email: TSbusinessadvice@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 41 20 20.