As we approach the busiest period of the year, I wish to highlight some of the safety concerns for shoppers online, shops and market stalls and some tips to safer shopping.

Online Market Places

Online marketplaces (OMPs) are an additional option to businesses own websites. These are platforms that allow people or businesses to sell items. The seller does not own or control the goods on offer, whether being advertised or sold. i.e. act as an intermediary between an independent company and the buyer.

Concerns for product safety through third-party sellers – The public must stay vigilant and check safety information and the origin of the products they purchase. Before buying online:

• Do you know whether you are buying directly from an online platform or from a third party?
• What do you know about the seller’s reputation for selling safe products?
• Is the seller based in the UK?
• Does the seller provide a name and address for contact?

Checking for Safety

It is essential that consumers know how to buy products that are safe and know how to report unsafe items.

Price – when looking for certain item both online and in store, it can be very tempting to go for cheaper options, however, sometimes this can be a red flag that something might not be genuine. For online purchases, take time to look into whether the item is genuine and establish who the seller is before you make the purchase. Scammers and individual sellers often use online platforms.

 Check the item conforms to UK and EU regulations – certain products such as toys, electrical and gas items sold in the UK must have markings to demonstrate they have met UK safety standards. Products sold in Great Britain may display: –

• CE marking, or
• UKCA marking, or
• UKCA and CE marking
• UKNI and CE marking

Payment methods – for online purchases, use secure payment methods. Be wary of sellers that try to change contact details or payment arrangements. Shops can state ‘cash only’ if made clear beforehand.

Toys safety – check if the item is a toy. There are many items that can look like toys or are advertised as toys, but are not suitable for children. Check the age suitability for your child and the product you are considering buying.

If you order it online; when the item arrives, check it over before you give it to a child. Check for faults, detachable small parts, access to stuffing and loose or accessible batteries or magnets.

The usual concerns for toys – small parts for choking and strangulation hazards, sharp edges, and sharp points, as well as chemicals in materials.

• Button batteries – choking hazards and toxic chemicals inside
• Phthalates in plastic toys – toxic at higher levels
• Magnetic balls – choking hazards and toxic
• Toys with strings – strangulation hazard
• Toys with sharp edges – cuts and laceration concerns

Useful resources

Citizens Advice Consumer Service – for consumer advice, or to report a seller you are concerned about to Trading Standards, contact 0808 223 1133.

Relay UK – if you can’t hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say: 18001 then 0808 223 1133.

www.citizenadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue.

Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) – provide more product safety information when you are buying products: www.gov.uk/guidance/consumer-product-safety-advice-for-staying-safe.

www.gov.uk/government/news/government-issues-online-sales-product-safety-message.

The British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) – provides more detailed information on purchasing toys safely: https://toysafety.co.uk

Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards Service can be contacted on email: trading.standards@lbbd.gov.uk

Contact your local Trading Standards Service – https://www.tradingstandards.uk/consumers/support-advice

Please note – This information is intended for guidance; only the courts can give an authoritative interpretation of the law.