Consumer protection

This involves ensuring all goods on sale to the public are SAFE for their intended use.

The responsibility to supply safe consumer goods applies all the way down from the manufacturer to the retailer. This means, that products being sold should comply with any relevant legislation or recognised safety standard.

Our environmental health team has a role to ensure consumers are protected against the potential risks from unsafe goods manufactured or sold within our area.

What we do

As a council we:

inspect premises to make certain consumer goods supplied are safe and fit for purpose
investigate complaints of unsafe consumer goods
respond to hazard warnings of unsafe consumer goods that have been identified
carry out surveys of identified consumer goods to make certain they meet safety standards
routine sample testing of a range of consumer goods to make certain they meet the relevant safety standards. This can be carried out in-house or through a test-house
provide an advice service to the suppliers and manufacturers of consumer goods informing them about the relevant legislation that applies to their products
launch educational campaigns and initiatives with the aim of raising awareness of consumer safety
provide advice to the public in relation to consumer safety

The following are covered within the relevant legislation:

toys
bicycles
electrical equipment
furniture
tyres
cosmetics
nightwear
hoodcords
pushchairs
babies dummies

All of these activities will be carried out having regard to the general principles of good enforcement practice outlined in the our Enforcement Policy. You can view it on this link.

Purchasing goods

When making a purchase please:

Only purchase goods from a reputable supplier/shop.
Examine goods to see if they carry any safety symbols or signs, e.g.

CE Mark (this should be found on all toys, electrical products and gas appliances)
BEAB Approval (British Electro Technical Approvals Boards)
Kitemark
cigarette/match resistant label on furniture

3. Read all warnings carefully and follow the operating instructions.

4. Keep receipts as proof of purchase.

5. Only use goods or equipment for the purpose for which they are intended.

If in doubt, or if you want advice contact our team on 028 9244 7300 or email: ehealth@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

What should I do if I think I have bought an unsafe product?

Please contact our environmental health service on the details above. They will investigate the complaint.

We may wish to examine the product. It will be useful if you still have the receipt or proof of purchase.

The product or similar products may be sent for testing.

The complaint procedure may take several months to complete. Any subsequent action taken by us will relate to consumer protection and safety issues and not to attaining compensation for the complainant. This is a matter that can be dealt with through your own solicitor.

If your query or complaint relates to counterfeit goods, faulty goods or those with false or misleading descriptions please contact:

Trading Standards Service
176 Newtownbreda Road
Belfast
BT8 6QS

Tel: 03001 236262
Email: consumerline@detini.gov.uk
Web: www.nidirect.gov.uk