Major updates to product safety laws

The Government has announced a comprehensive consultation aimed at overhauling product safety laws to enhance consumer protections, particularly in light of the rising prevalence of online shopping. The proposed measures are set to elevate product safety standards across both physical and online marketplaces, ensuring that consumers can trust the products they purchase. With the backing of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025, the reforms stand to strengthen consumer protections, tackle unscrupulous sellers, and clarify the responsibilities of businesses.

Kate Dearden MP, the Minister for Consumer Protection, expressed the urgency of the reforms by stating, “These reforms are about making our product safety system fit for the modern world - shutting loopholes, clamping down on unsafe online sales, and giving responsible businesses the certainty they need to grow.” This reform comes in light of escalating global supply chains and technological advancements that have complicated product safety, leading to incidents such as fires resulting from lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes.

To address these issues, the Government plans to publish three consultations which propose a new regulatory framework covering a broader range of products. This approach aims to prevent the existence of gaps in consumer protection. Another consultation will simplify the enforcement of product safety rules, ensuring prompt and consistent actions when safety issues are identified.

Moreover, the reforms will introduce greater flexibility for businesses regarding product labelling. Companies will be allowed to provide essential information, including UKCA markings, in various physical formats and digitally. The initiative aims to ensure that all participants in the supply chain bear the responsibility of safeguarding consumers from hazardous products.

Alongside discussions on product safety, the Government will also review the UK’s furniture fire safety regulations. This comprehensive consultation process will remain open for 12 weeks, closing on 23 June 2026, encouraging stakeholders, consumer groups, and the public to contribute to establishing a safer regulatory framework.