BHETA is urging all members, suppliers, retailers and marketplace operators selling products in the UK to engage with the Government’s consultation on the future of the UK product safety framework.
The consultation has major implications for businesses across housewares, small electricals, garden, DIY and home improvement. It addresses a long-standing concern for responsible UK businesses: how to ensure that all products sold into the UK market, including those supplied by overseas sellers through online marketplaces, meet appropriate safety and legal standards.
BHETA’s call for a level playing field
Throughout 2024 and 2025, BHETA has lobbied Government, regulators and enforcement bodies on the need to create a more level playing field for UK suppliers and retailers.
BHETA’s message has been clear: UK businesses that invest in product testing, traceability, labelling, documentation, customer service and recall processes should not be commercially disadvantaged by sellers who avoid those responsibilities, particularly where products are sold online from outside the UK.
Why this matters across BHETA sectors
Product safety is relevant to every part of BHETA’s membership. Consumers buying cookware, kitchen tools, housewares, tableware, storage, cleaning products, small domestic appliances, batteries, chargers, garden equipment, tools, ladders, hardware and home improvement products need confidence that what they are buying is safe, properly described and supplied by an accountable business.
Where unsafe or poorly documented products can be listed quickly, removed slowly and sometimes reappear under another seller name, both consumers and legitimate businesses lose out.
Marketplaces have a key role
The Government’s proposals include clearer duties for online marketplaces to act with due care, prevent and remove unsafe or non-compliant products, verify sellers, cooperate with authorities and ensure essential product safety information can be provided clearly to consumers before purchase.
BHETA believes this direction of travel should be broadly welcomed. This is not about restricting fair competition. Compliant overseas sellers should continue to trade successfully in the UK. Nor is it about adding unnecessary bureaucracy for responsible suppliers. The objective must be a market where every business selling into the UK meets the same basic expectations on safety, traceability and accountability.
Reform must be practical
There are, of course, issues that need careful handling. New rules must be proportionate, practical and supported by clear guidance. They must not simply add paperwork, delay listings or increase costs for businesses already doing the right thing.
SMEs in particular will need clarity on what evidence, documentation and checks are expected. BHETA will continue to press for effective enforcement and proportionate implementation that supports compliant businesses rather than burdening them unnecessarily.
How to respond
The consultation is available on the UK Government website at:
www.gov.uk/government/consultations/product-regulation-the-uks-new-product-safety-framework
Readers can also find it by searching online for:
“Product regulation: the UK’s new product safety framework consultation”
BHETA is encouraging all businesses selling housewares, small electricals, garden, DIY and related consumer products in the UK to support the principle of reform, while pressing for proportionate implementation, clear guidance and effective enforcement.
BHETA can also help interested parties with suggested model answers and key points to consider when preparing their own responses. Members or sector stakeholders who would like support should contact BHETA to discuss the consultation and how best to make their views heard. Contact info@bheta.co.uk for more details.
When to respond
The consulation closes on 23rd June.
.jpg)