Product Safety

As the countdown to Christmas begins, Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is reminding shoppers to stay vigilant when buying toys for children this festive season. With rising costs and the lure of bargain deals online, parents and carers may be tempted to opt for cheaper options—but these …

A recent trade deal signed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signals the removal of tariffs on jewellery imported into the UK from India. Will Evans, Director of the London Assay office, says: “As trade in gold jewellery between the UK and India …

Thousands of “potentially lethal” fake vehicle parts have been seized in a major raid on a self-storage unit near Bristol. An operation by South Gloucestershire Trading Standards led to the discovery of more than 3,600 counterfeit branded components worth more than £100,000. The items included including spark plugs, oil filters …

With Halloween on 31 October fast approaching, Trading Standards is urging families to prioritise safety when buying costumes, decorations and novelty items. Our service is advising parents to choose well-fitting costumes made from thicker, flame-resistant materials and to avoid outfits with trailing fabric or cords, especially for children under seven. …

Hundreds of fake and potentially dangerous Labubu dolls have been seized by North Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team after a parent raised concerns. More than 600 unsafe and counterfeit Labubu products were seized from two Weston-super-Mare businesses after investigations confirmed the dolls were counterfeit and posed a choking hazard to …

Heart of the South West Trading Standards service is recommending that children’s plastic beach shoes are tested nationally after some products on sale in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay were found to contain banned chemicals and had to be removed from sale. Clothing retailers and importers are being urged to …