Product safety

Trading standards enforce a wide range of safety legislation. This covers products such as toys, electrical goods and cosmetics. If you believe that you have bought goods that are dangerous please inform the trading standards service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click a question to see the answer.

Does it matter if I don't have a receipt for the item I wish investigated under the trading standards law as I think it is dangerous?

Not necessarily, although it would help to have the receipt. The item can be traced back to the manufacturer or importer even if the retailer is not known.

If I think an item I bought is unsafe and wish it to be investigated, will you want to see the dangerous item?

Yes, we would want to see the suspected dangerous item. If it looks like an item is unsafe then it will be arranged for an officer to visit you and, if necessary, a statement taken. We may also take the item as evidence.

What should I do if I am injured by goods I have bought?

If you are injured by an item you bought, you should go to a doctor, clinic or hospital, so that the injury can be recorded and assessed. This is important as it can provide evidence that allows you to take a civil action for compensation against the supplier or manufacturer. It will also assist if Trading Standards seeks to prosecute the supplier or manufacturer. You should contact your nearest trading standards office to report the incident.