New UK fire safety law targets online marketplaces selling unsafe products

UK law enacted to address fire risks from online sales

The UK Department for Business and Trade has announced the Royal Assent of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act, expanding fire safety enforcement powers in response to risks posed by lithium-ion batteries sold online.

The department said the new law aims to align online marketplaces with the same product safety requirements that apply to traditional retailers.

The change follows concern over a rising number of fires caused by unsafe e-bike and e-scooter batteries, often bought through digital platforms.

According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), there were 211 reported fires involving these products in 2024, with 175 incidents reported by London Fire Brigade alone.

The new law will allow regulators to hold online marketplaces accountable for ensuring the safety of products sold through their platforms.

Requirements for online marketplaces under new framework

The UK Government intends to introduce specific obligations for online marketplaces in line with the Product Regulation and Metrology Act.

These obligations include preventing the sale of unsafe products, ensuring sellers meet safety responsibilities, providing product information to consumers, and supporting regulatory investigations.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards will continue its targeted activity, including oversight of button batteries, small magnets, and lithium-ion battery products.

The Government said these measures are designed to create a proportionate and balanced framework that supports both consumer safety and business growth.

According to the department, around 300,000 businesses operate in regulated product sectors across the UK, with a combined estimated turnover of £490 billion.

The OPSS’s public campaigns, such as the “Buy Safe, Be Safe” initiative and its December 2024 lithium battery guidance, will continue alongside the new enforcement approach.

Statements from ministers and safety advocates

Product Safety Minister Justin Madders said: “By giving regulators the teeth to clamp down on unsafe products, we’re ensuring people can shop with confidence whether online or on the high street.

“This will establish a level playing field and mean online marketplaces are held to the same high standards as bricks and mortar shops, ensuring we back businesses and protect consumers as part of our Plan for Change.”

Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?, said: “Which? has campaigned for years to hold online marketplaces to the same standards as high street retailers. For too long, consumers have been exposed to dangerous – and in some cases lethal – products.

“The Product Regulation and Metrology Act has the potential to be a game changer for consumer safety. It paves the way for new laws to clarify and strengthen responsibilities for online marketplaces, which is crucial in the fight against the sale of dangerous products online.

“Following the bill’s Royal Assent, the government must act fast to tighten definitions of online marketplaces, introduce a clear duty so that online marketplaces are accountable for product safety, and empower regulators to issue heavy fines for those that fall short of the required standards.”

London Fire Brigade and safety groups support the legislation

London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner Charlie Pugsley said: “We are pleased that the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill (PRAM) has been granted Royal Assent.

“London Fire Brigade sees one e-bike or e-scooter fire every two days and we have long called for regulation to improve product safety and safeguards on online marketplaces to protect people from buying dangerous products that pose a fire risk.

“We welcome this new piece of legislation, which will better regulate unsafe products being sold and help to protect the public from unsafe products and particularly poor quality or non-compliant lithium battery products, which can present unique fire safety challenges.”

John Herriman, Chief Executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “Alongside the coalition, which included the British Toy and Hobby Association and Electrical Safety First, we welcome the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill gaining Royal Assent as a positive step forward in ensuring the UK maintains strong, modern protections for consumers.

“This legislation supports the vital work Trading Standards does in keeping unsafe and non-compliant products off the market, creating a fairer and safer trading environment for businesses and consumers alike.

“We look forward to working closely with government and stakeholders to ensure that the laws that follow, after further consultation, are implemented effectively and contributes to a robust, future-facing regulatory system that will support economic growth in the UK.”

Electrical Safety First welcomes new legislation and calls for strong follow-up regulations

Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, said the new law marks a turning point in product safety legislation.

Rudd said: “This legislation has the potential to transform our product safety laws, making them fit for the 21st century.

“We now have an opportunity to address new and emerging product safety risks – particularly the threat posed by substandard e-bike batteries, which continue to cause ferocious fires across the country, and the ‘wild west’ of online shopping, where dangerous goods are relentlessly sold.

“Whilst we welcome the Bill’s enactment and the speed at which the Government has moved, the forthcoming consultations must be bold, brave and robust to effectively tackle the serious risks posed by substandard e-bike batteries and dangerous goods sold online.

“These batteries and modified devices continue to cause life-threatening fires, injuring and tragically, in some cases, killing people in their homes.

“Strong new rules are urgently needed to keep poor-quality batteries and accessories off the market.

“Online marketplaces must finally be held legally responsible for the safety of products sold through their platforms.”

According to Electrical Safety First, it secured several amendments to the bill, including measures to improve transparency in assessing new risks, guaranteed rights to consultation, and a government commitment to regulate e-bike batteries.

The organisation said it has played a leading role in raising awareness of fire hazards from substandard lithium batteries.

Its 2022 report, Battery Breakdown, outlined the increasing risks associated with poor-quality e-bike batteries and proposed detailed policy interventions.

Electrical Safety First has also identified banned or unsafe batteries for sale on online platforms, including a UPP model linked to multiple fire incidents and found listed on Facebook Marketplace.

The charity is advocating for new mandatory safety standards for conversion kits and charging systems to address incompatibility risks and reduce battery-related fires.

It has also called for a legal redefinition of online marketplaces to make them formally accountable under UK safety law.

Economic and safety context for regulatory reform

The Government said the regulatory changes were designed to reflect the evolving nature of the marketplace and increasing dependence on online platforms.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards noted a steady rise in incidents involving lithium battery fires, many involving products bought online.

The new act formalises the ability of regulators to take proportionate action against sellers or marketplaces that allow unsafe goods to reach consumers.

This includes civil and criminal penalties where appropriate, and collaboration with trading standards and industry stakeholders to implement the law effectively.

The Department for Business and Trade said its intention is to support enforcement bodies while preserving the UK’s reputation for product safety.

New UK fire safety law targets online marketplaces selling unsafe products: Summary

The Product Regulation and Metrology Act has received Royal Assent.

The law introduces enforcement powers aimed at online marketplaces.

The purpose is to reduce the sale of unsafe goods, including lithium-ion batteries.

According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards, there were 211 e-bike and e-scooter fire incidents in 2024.

Most incidents were reported by London Fire Brigade.

The Government said the act creates parity between online and physical retailers.

Online marketplaces will be required to meet product safety obligations.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards will continue targeted campaigns.

Statements supporting the law came from Government, fire services, and safety groups.

The law affects about 300,000 UK businesses in the regulated product sector.