Kate Corby

This Practice Note describes the consumer product safety corrective action regimes in the UK, including in particular when and how to notify relevant authorities of a product safety issue, the relevant guidance on conducting risk assessments and what corrective action should, or must, be taken when a product is deemed unsafe.

This Checklist sets out the key issues when dealing with a product liability or consumer safety matter which requires a corrective action, such as a product recall. When considering corrective action relating to a product liability or safety issue, it is advisable to have reference to the government-backed BSI standards—PAS 7050:2022, Bringing safe products to the market—Code of practice and PAS 7100:2022, Product recall and other corrective actions—Code of practice. While the guidance contained in the Codes of practice is not legally binding, the Codes are supported by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)—OPSS/market surveillance authorities are likely to refer to the recommendations in the Codes when addressing product safety issues.