The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has backed a move by the UK government to hold online marketplaces to the same standards as physical stores.
The Product Regulation and Metrology (PRAM) Act was announced on 21 July. This, said Bira, will “create new powers to target emerging dangers and hold online marketplaces accountable for dangerous products sold through their platforms, creating a level playing field with bricks-and-mortar stores”.
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre commented: “For far too long, online shopping for electrical and electronic items has been a dangerous lottery in terms of product safety, putting customers unnecessarily at risk. Our independent retailers have always been held to rigorous safety standards, while online marketplaces have operated with little accountability for the dangerous products sold through their platforms. This new Act levels the playing field and ensures consumer safety is paramount, whether shopping online or on the high street.”
He added: “While we welcome increased consumer education about product safety, the strongest message we can give to shoppers is this: if you want to be truly confident about product quality and safety – especially for items like electric bikes and lithium batteries – buy from your trusted, local high-street retailer.”
