UK launches product safety review covering online marketplaces and furniture rules
Iain Hoey
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Product safety consultations open
The UK Government has opened three consultations on changes to product safety rules, including online marketplace obligations, enforcement reforms and a review of furniture fire safety regulations.
The Department for Business and Trade announced the proposals on 31 March 2026 using powers in the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025.
The measures would apply to products sold online so online marketplaces are held to the same standards for product safety as bricks and mortar stores.
The first consultation includes proposals to widen the scope of the new framework so it covers more products and reduces gaps in consumer protection.
It also includes proposals to update how a safe product is defined and assessed.
Definitions for businesses in scope would also be clarified so those involved in product supply have responsibility to protect consumers from dangerous products.
The Government said the current system has been stretched by globalised supply chains, technological change and the growth of online shopping.
It said serious incidents, including fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in products such as e-bikes, show the risks linked to unsafe products.
Kate Dearden MP, Minister for Consumer Protection, said: “These reforms are about making our product safety system fit for the modern world – shutting loopholes, clamping down on unsafe online sales, and giving responsible businesses the certainty they need to grow.
“People need to trust the products they buy and use every day, so I’m urging consumer groups, businesses and the public to have their say and help us build a safer future.”
Enforcement and labelling proposals
The Department for Business and Trade also published a second consultation on reforms intended to simplify enforcement of product safety rules.
The proposals are intended to support consistent and swift action when issues are found.
Alongside this, the Government said it will introduce legislation to give businesses more flexibility in how certain products are labelled.
This would allow information such as the UKCA marking and importer details to be provided in different physical formats and in digital form.
The Government is also consulting on extending digital labelling flexibility to additional products and businesses.
Furniture fire safety review
A third consultation published on the same day will review the UK’s furniture fire safety regulations.
All three consultations are open for 12 weeks and will close on 23 June 2026.
The Government has invited stakeholders, businesses, consumer groups and members of the public to respond.
Responses to the consultations will inform the next stage of the Government’s proposed regulatory changes.
