UK Government Proposes New Product Safety Regulations

The UK government has introduced the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, designed to update product safety laws and ensure that goods sold in the UK meet strict regulatory standards. First presented in the House of Lords on 4 September 2024, the bill is still under review and must progress through the House of Commons before it becomes law.

Main Provisions of the Bill

The proposed legislation provides greater powers to establish product safety regulations, ensuring that products meet health, safety, environmental, and energy efficiency requirements. It also strengthens rules for measuring instruments, such as weighing devices, to maintain accuracy and reliability.

Certain product categories, such as medicines, medical devices, food, and animal feed, are excluded from the bill’s scope.

Business Compliance Requirements

A key element of the bill is the obligation for some businesses to appoint an Authorised Representative. This will particularly affect companies based outside the UK that sell products in the country. The Authorised Representative, who must be based in the UK, will be responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining required documentation, and acting as a liaison with UK authorities.

Non-compliance could result in enforcement measures, including inspections and penalties.

Next Steps for Businesses

As the bill continues to be reviewed in the House of Lords, businesses should begin assessing their compliance obligations to ensure they are prepared once the new regulations take effect.

At Authorised Rep Compliance, alongside our partner company Product Compliance Support, we have the expertise and experience to help ensure your products fully comply with UK regulations. Contact us today to stay ahead of these changes and avoid potential disruptions.