Consumer Safety

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has an important role to protect consumers against unsafe goods which are manufactured, distributed, supplied or sold in the district.  An unsafe product is one that poses a risk of injury during normal use, when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

All consumer goods including second hand goods should comply with any relevant legislation or recognised safety standards, however many people are injured each year due to unsafe consumer goods.

The department also provides advice and support to assist businesses in complying with consumer protection legislation.  The department helps to protect consumers from unsafe goods by;

• investigating complaints from consumers

• carrying out inspections

• sampling and testing goods to ensure they meet safety standards

• providing advice and support to businesses

What is a Safe Product?

The General Safety Requirement refers to goods being reasonably safe in all the circumstances that pertain to them. These circumstances include: the way in which goods are marked, any instructions or warnings given with the goods and any published safety standards for those goods.  Manufacturers and importers have increased responsibility in terms of safety.  For information and advice, they should contact us.

What should you look for when buying goods?

• Only purchase goods from a reputable supplier
• Examine goods for safety symbols or signs e.g. BEAB approval, Kite mark, CE mark, Cigarette/Match Resistant labels, etc.
• Read all warnings carefully and follow operating instructions
• Keep receipts as proof of purchase
• Only use goods or equipment for the purpose for which they are intended

For advice on staying safe when buying goods, go to Consumer product safety: advice for staying safe.

General Product Safety Regulations 2005

The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 apply to all products (new and second-hand) used by consumers.  The legal requirements are the same whether goods are supplied from a premises, home, stall or online platform.

The General Product Safety Regulations Guide is designed to help businesses comply with the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, as they apply in NI.  It applies to businesses placing products not covered by other specific legislation on the market in Northern Ireland. It sets out the requirements that must be met before products can be placed on the market. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that consumer products are safe before they can be placed on the market in NI. This is done by requiring producers to ensure that consumer products meet the general safety requirement.

Certain products have specific legislation.  The links below provide information on some of these areas;

• Cosmetic Products
• Electrical Products
• Toys
• Construction Products
• E-Cigarettes

MHRA is the competent authority for the notification scheme for e-cigarettes and refill containers in the UK.The following link may be useful.

• Further information on specific product safety requirements can be found in the following guide Product Safety for Businesses: A to Z of industry guidance

The links below may also help provide information on your product safety requirements: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/product-safety-advice-for-businesses https://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/product-safety