More resources to stop unsafe furniture imports to UK

 

In July 2009 the government published a new White Paper to help consumers through the provision of better advice, guidance and protection measures. One aim is, by 2010, to provide more financial support and resources to allow for tests to be carried out at the major ports to see if goods such as furniture are safe to enter Britain. The government believe that effective enforcement at borders is key to preventing unsafe products entering the UK market place. The White Paper states , for goods generally, that:

 

Experience from the sampling of consumer goods coming into the EU through Felixstowe over the past five years has demonstrated that 40% of the goods tested infringe EU product safety legislation requirements. Furthermore, almost half of those infringing goods are found on testing to be unsafe………. 

• The incorrect/unsafe goods currently coming through Felixstowe alone cause or contribute to: 95,000 injuries each year
• 100 fires each year
• 3 deaths each year and

The net value of these and other impacts on the UK (falling on consumers, public services and businesses) is approximately £60 million.

 

White paper - A Better Deal for Consumers - Delivering Real Help Now and Change for the Future

www.berr.gov.uk/files/file52072.pdf