Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 16
16
The products consumers buy, and the way they buy them, are changing quickly.
Conclusion
The products consumers buy, and the way they buy them, are changing quickly. For example, internet sales as a proportion of total retail sales in the UK jumped from 27% in 2020 to 36% today—while this jump was likely related to the COVID-19 pandemic the OPSS expects the trend to continue.29 Online marketplaces, such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, are now used by an estimated nine in ten adults who use the internet and are a significant source of potential product safety harm.30
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
4: PAC conclusion: Gaps in the regulatory framework make it harder to protect consumers from new risks presented by online marketplaces and emerging technologies. 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2022 4.3 In OPSS’ first three years, it has conducted significant research into emerging technologies, such as ‘smart’ products, and set up a major review into the product safety system looking to ensure UK regulations are fit for purpose now and in the future. OPSS is creating a robust approach to working with and holding to account online retailers and preventing unsafe products from reaching consumers. OPSS continues to develop this. OPSS’ data strategy, product safety review and regulatory strategy will all help to address aspects of these challenges.