Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 23
23
The OPSS’s review of the product safety regime, which it recently consulted on, is an...
Conclusion
The OPSS’s review of the product safety regime, which it recently consulted on, is an opportunity for it and the Department to set a clear vision and strategy for the future of the regulatory regime. The recent call for evidence sought views on the current regulatory approach and whether it is fit for the future. It covered several broad issues, including: product design, manufacture and placing on the market; new models of supply (including 35 Qq 22, 38–39, 49 36 Qq 38, 48 37 Qq 63 - 66 38 Qq 23, 54 39 Qq 14, 20, 23 40 Qq 21, 38–39; C&AG’s Report, para 4.5 41 Qq 19, 22–23, 54–55 42 Qq 19 14 Protecting consumers from unsafe products online); and new products and product lifecycles.43 The OPSS told us it has received over 100 responses and has spoken with stakeholders, including consumer groups and online platforms, to inform its future approach.44
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2022 4.2 OPSS will write to the Committee within six months of the PAC report to detail progress made on its plan for the future of UK product safety regulation. 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. 4.4 The Product Safety Review consultation closed on 17 June 2021 and OPSS has been reviewing the 158 responses. OPSS will be looking to address identified gaps in the regulatory and legislative framework and seeking to build in sufficient flexibility to allow it to meet future challenges and changes in markets and consumer practices. OPSS’ response was published on 11 November 2021. 4.5 OPSS is also acting ahead of any legislative changes. It has an expanded online investigation capability with a dedicated team able to conduct online market surveillance and work with platforms to have non-compliant items dealt with. OPSS has conducted enforcement investigations into online sales of toys and electricals and has established more robust approaches for third party sellers outside the UK.