New UK Bill to Strengthen Product Regulations and Consumer Safety

The UK government is introducing the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which aims to modernize product safety laws and ensure that goods sold in the UK meet strict regulatory standards. The bill, which was introduced in the House of Lords on 4 September 2024, is still under consideration and has yet to pass through the House of Commons.

Key Features of the Bill

The bill grants the government new powers to establish product safety regulations, ensuring that products meet requirements related to health, safety, environmental impact, and energy efficiency. It also reinforces standards for measuring instruments, such as weighing devices, to ensure accuracy.

Certain products, including medicines, medical devices, food, and animal feed, are not covered by this legislation.

What Businesses Need to Know

A major element of the bill is the requirement for some businesses to appoint an Authorised Representative. This applies particularly to companies based outside the UK that sell products within the country. The Authorised Representative, who must be established in the UK, will be responsible for ensuring that products comply with regulations, maintaining the necessary technical documentation, and acting as a point of contact for UK regulators.

Failure to comply could result in enforcement actions, including inspections and penalties.

Next Steps

The bill is still undergoing scrutiny in the House of Lords and must go through the House of Commons before it becomes law. Businesses should start reviewing their compliance obligations now to avoid disruption once the new rules take effect.

This bill marks a significant step toward strengthening consumer protection and ensuring that products sold in the UK meet high safety and quality standards.

At Authorised Rep Compliance along with our sister company Product Compliance Support we have the experience, knowledge and know how to help you ensure your products meet all the necessary regulations.