Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 19
19
The regulatory system for product safety is facing multiple new challenges that it will need...
Conclusion
The regulatory system for product safety is facing multiple new challenges that it will need the skills and resources to be able to respond to. For example: the OPSS and Trading Standards services will need to give greater consideration to how they regulate safety risks arising from product software and changing technology; there are new regulatory 29 Q 5 30 C&AG’s Report, para 4.9 31 Qq 44, 19 32 Qq 19–20; C&AG’s Report, para 4.10 33 Q 46 34 Q 22; OPSS, UK Product Safety Review: Call for evidence, March 2021 Protecting consumers from unsafe products 13 functions and an expected increase in goods checking at the border following EU Exit; and the OPSS will be taking on additional responsibilities for the regulation of construction products on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.35
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
5: PAC conclusion: The regulatory system is lacking capacity and skills to meet the challenges it faces. 5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2022 5.2 OPSS is currently reviewing of the Product Safety framework to ensure it is simple, flexible and fit for the future. It is seeking to ensure the regime and the legislation can keep up with new technologies and changing business models in the future – promoting innovation while continuing to ensure protection for consumers.