Call for robust secondary legislation to support PRAM Act

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has joined a broad coalition of organisations, led by Which?, urging the government to introduce strong secondary legislation to support the new Product Regulation and Metrology (PRAM) Act. The group is calling for clear measures to hold online marketplaces accountable for unsafe products sold through their platforms, ensuring a level playing field with traditional retail.

The health and safety sector has long seen the dangers of non-compliant and unsafe PPE entering the UK market through online channels. The PRAM Act, passed in July 2025, establishes a framework for a new duty on online marketplaces and equips regulators with tougher enforcement powers to protect consumers. However, the effectiveness of this framework will depend on robust and enforceable secondary legislation.

In an open letter to the Minister Justin Madders MP, the coalition sets out the strong consensus among UK businesses, consumer groups, and public safety organisations in support of secondary regulations that would:

• Introduce a clear duty to make online marketplaces accountable for the safety of all products sold, including proactively preventing the sale of unsafe products on their platforms. 
• Empower regulators to issue heavy fines or to then take further enforcement action for online marketplaces that fall short of the required standards.

BSIF CEO, John Hooker, comments: “The BSIF strongly welcomes the PRAM Act as a significant step in strengthening product safety and protecting the integrity of the UK marketplace. However, legislation on its own is insufficient. We share the view that only firm, consistently enforced rules with real sanctions will stop online marketplaces from enabling unsafe products to reach buyers.

“Robust enforcement is essential not only to safeguard buyers but also to guarantee fair competition for responsible businesses, including BSIF members, who invest in compliance and safety. We look forward to working closely with government, regulators, and industry partners to ensure the Act delivers meaningful improvements in product safety across all sales channels.”

Policy leads at the Department for Business and Trade are currently preparing proposals for ministerial approval. BSIF will participate fully in all relevant consultations.