Consumer Protection
Protect the public from unsafe consumer goods
The Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the General Product Safety Regulations 1994 make it an offence to supply unsafe consumer products and extends down the supply chain from manufacturer to retailer.
There are many specific Regulations and hundreds of recognised Safety Standards covering product safety. These include:
- Toys
- Cosmetics
- Bicycles
- Electrical Equipment
- Furniture
- Tyres
- Nightwear
- Hood cords
- Pushchairs
What is an unsafe product?
An unsafe product is one that poses a risk of injury during normal use, when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or warnings.
Exceptions
Whilst most consumer products are covered by the above legislation, some exceptions such as motor vehicles and medicinal products are covered by separate controlling legislation which may be enforced by other agencies such as the Trading Standards Service of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI).
What does Fermanagh & Omagh District Council Officers do to protect the public from unsafe goods?
- Inspect local manufacturers, importers and retailers
- Sample and test suspect products
- Investigate complaints from consumers
- Remove unsafe goods from sale
- Take action against offenders
- Carry out regular surveys of targeted products
- Provide advice, information, public education campaigns to manufacturers, importer, retailers and members of the public