Overview
The initiative was highlighted in the briefing notes for The King’s Speech 2024. The Product Safety and Metrology Bill aims to maintain the UK’s status as a global leader in product regulation. It will support businesses and protect consumers.
The Bill will ensure the UK is in a better position to address modern day safety issues, harness opportunities that drive economic growth, and ensure a level playing field between the high street and online marketplaces. It will cover nearly all manufactured products, including consumer products and metrology.
The Product Safety and Metrology Bill - Highlights
- The Bill will focus on current and emerging threats to consumer safety. This will involve incidents associated with ingestion of button batteries and the fire risks associated with batteries and electric bikes. The London Fire Brigade reported a 78% increase in fires caused by e-bikes last year compared to 2022, highlighting the urgency of these measures.
- The Bill will also address technological advances, for example artificial intelligence (AI). The Bill is expected to introduce new AI-related obligations which industry regulators may need to account for within their own frameworks.
- The Bill will update the legal metrology framework. This is important for ensuring accuracy in weights and measures of purchased goods. It is vital for national infrastructure and consumer confidence.
- In addition, the Bill aims to address the increasingly complex supply chains and business models developed over the previous ten years. This includes those seen in online marketplaces.
- The Bill will make updates to compliance and enforcement measures. Its goal is to tackle non-compliance and enhance data sharing between regulators and market surveillance authorities.
- Furthermore, the Bill will empower the UK government to manage divergence from EU regulations. This will allow changes to UK legislation where it may be beneficial.
The Product Safety and Metrology Bill - Consumer Benefits
Safer Products. The Bill will ensure that products sold in the UK meet high safety standards. For example, this may involve identifying and removing defective toys or faulty electrical appliances from the market.
Accurate Measurements. The Bill will guarantee that measuring devices, such as rulers and scales, are accurate.
Clear Labeling. The Bill will require products to be clearly labeled, providing consumers with essential information about the product’s contents, ingredients, and safety instructions.
Stronger Enforcement. The Bill will give authorities extra power to investigate and act against businesses that sell unsafe or mislabeled products.
Online Shopping Improvement. The Bill will address concerns about online marketplaces and ensure that sellers are responsible for the safety of products they sell.
The Product Safety and Metrology Bill - Manufacturer Benefits
Enhanced Reputation. Adhering to strict safety and metrology standards can boost a manufacturer’s reputation.
Fewer Legal Risks. Compliance with the Bill can help manufacturers avoid costly legal disputes and product recalls.
Increased Export Opportunities. The Bill can facilitate the export of products to other countries. By meeting international safety and metrology requirements, manufacturers can expand their markets.
Improved Supply Chain Management. The Bill will encourage manufacturers to implement better supply chain management practices. Streamline and optimise your supplier management process with our supplier management software solutions at https://iprotectu.com/supplier-management-software/
Innovation and Development. By setting high standards for product safety and metrology, manufacturers have an incentive to invest in research and development.
The Product Safety and Metrology Bill represents a huge step forward in ensuring the safety and reliability of products in the UK market.
It will address contemporary fire risks and drive economic growth through tough regulations and more advanced technology. It is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to improve the country’s product safety and metrology framework.
