Product safety advice for businesses supplying goods in Northern Ireland

Businesses that make, import, distribute or sell consumer products in the UK are all responsible for their safety.

For example, if a manufacturer discovers that a product it has sold represents a safety risk, it must take action to remedy the issue. These steps could include issuing new instructions, modifying the product, or requiring consumers to stop using the product and return it for a refund. The manufacturer must contact all the consumers it knows are affected to alert them to the issue and tell them what they should do.

Businesses must place only safe products on the market and warn consumers of any risks. Effective processes and good product design usually prevent problems, but occasionally things can go wrong.

If you discover that a product you have sold represents a safety risk, you must take action to remedy the issue. These steps could include:

• issuing new instructions
• modifying the product
• requiring consumers to stop using the product and return it for a refund - known as a product recall

The manufacturer must contact all the consumers it knows are affected to alert them to the issue and tell them what they should do.

Plan for product recalls

Product safety problems can risk public health and damage your business' reputation. To minimise these risks, you should have a product recall plan. A plan outlines the process you will follow to carry out a product recall quickly and professionally.

Product recall advice

The Code of Practice on Product Recalls PAS 7100 provides best practice guidance on how businesses should prepare for and respond to product safety incidents. The Code also sets out the responsibilities and support role of Market Surveillance Authorities such as The Environmental Health Department of your local council.