Product safety

Our product safety team enforces legislation to make sure that the goods that consumers buy are safe. 

What products are covered?

All products that are intended for consumers, or that a consumer is able to buy for use at home, are covered. Different legislation applies depending on the goods, but overall, products have to be safe for their intended use. 

Goods that we would regularly advise on and enforce might cover, toys, electrical appliances, gas appliances and cosmetics, however, all products are potentially in scope of our remit.

What we do

We provide advice and guidance to local manufacturers, importers and retailers to ensure the goods that they sell to consumers are safe. We also look into reports of potentially unsafe goods and ensure action is taken by the manufacturer or retailer where goods are found to be unsafe.  

If you have any product safety concerns to report, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

Product safety advice for consumers 

Check if goods have been recalled or had safety notices issued by visiting the 'Product Recalls and Alerts' page on the UK Government website. This website also has advice and guidance on a variety of consumer products, including toys, cosmetics, batteries and buying second-hand goods. Visit the 'Consumer products: your safety and protection' page for more information. 

Register your white goods and kitchen appliances to ensure you are kept up to date if any recalls or safety notices are issued. Visit the Register My Appliance website for more details.

Get advice and guidance on how to stay safe with electricals at home at the Electrical Safety First website.

For advice about keeping children and young people safe around the home by visiting the Child Child Accident Prevention Trust website. 

Product safety advice for businesses

Businesses can get detailed advice and guidance on the full range of product safety legislation enforced by Trading Standards by visiting the the UK Government website, specifically the 'Product safety for businesses: A to Z of industry guidance' page. 

Further advice is also available from our specialist commercial team of experienced Trading Standards Officers. Businesses can get a free 30 minutes initial consultation by going to contact commercial services below and completing a business advice request form. We’ll help you identify and prioritise what you need to do. Find out more by following this link to our Commercial Services webpage.