Product regulation: the UK’s new product safety framework

The existing product safety framework needs an upgrade. It is based on the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, introduced two decades ago, and overlaid with specific regulations for certain product sectors. We live in a world vastly different from the turn of the century, and the way people buy products has evolved. There are simply too many instances of dangerous products being sold to UK consumers, often online, resulting in serious harm.

The need for a new core framework was identified by the Product Safety Review and endorsed by Parliament in passing the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025. In this consultation we propose a new, modernised and enhanced framework giving people confidence that what they buy will be safe, thereby supporting growth and giving businesses incentives to invest by providing a level playing field, with clearer responsibilities and a more consistent and streamlined set of regulations.

Our proposals are grouped into the following themes:

1. Getting the basics right
2. Accountability throughout the supply chain
3. A new approach to product information
4. Supporting enforcement activity

The new core product safety framework will:

• require proactive action from everyone in the supply chain to protect consumers
• reflect modern products and supply chains
• capitalise on the opportunities new technology has provided for both businesses and consumers
• support delivery of the government’s Regulation Action Plan

This consultation should be read together with its companion consultation on the market surveillance and enforcement aspects of the new framework. The proposals and questions in this document are in the format ‘A1, A2’ and in the other document are in the format ‘B1, B2’ Please ensure your answers reference the proposal and questions numbers with the correct letter and number.

Read and respond to the consultation on market surveillance and enforcement.