The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has recently published its long-awaited consultation papers on the reform of the UK’s product safety, enforcement and market surveillance framework.

This is the next stage in responding to calls from the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) and others to overhaul regulation that is not fit-for-purpose for modern products and supply chains.

It follows on from the Product Safety Review conducted by the DBT, through the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), and the subsequent passing by Parliament of the Product Regulation and Metrology (PRAM) Act in 2025. 

The new legislation will have to cover all types of products from e-bikes and toys to bathroom products and PPE. PPE is different. For PPE products to be safe, they not only have to be inherently safe for the user, but they have to work and provide the user with the protection that they claim. Sector specific regulation and product standards have been built up over years to handle this and the BSIF believes that the current PPE product safety regulation is fit-for-purpose.

The proposal being consulted upon for product safety is a modernisation of the General Product Safety Regulations broadening its scope and focussing more on risks and outcomes. Sector specific regulation will still take precedence but there will be a drive to move more of this under the scope of the new framework. In the longer term we can expect a consultation and review of the PPE regulation. At that point the BSIF will work hard to ensure that all the good parts of the current regulation remain.

The area where we see the most scope for improvement is in market surveillance and enforcement.

Market surveillance and enforcement powers are currently spread across more than 71 pieces of legislation. Authorities must navigate the Consumer Protection Act, Consumer Rights Act, General Product Safety Regulations, and numerous sector-specific New Legislative Framework (NLF) regulations, creating ambiguity and slowing enforcement. A single, coherent set of rules with clear responsibilities could make a significant difference.

Among other provisions, the PRAM Act enables secondary legislation to introduce enforceable requirements for those controlling access to and content on online marketplaces. For too long, online marketplaces have allowed dangerous, non-compliant PPE onto the UK market unchecked. BSIF market surveillance data showed that 82% of PPE products bought from non-registered safety suppliers in 2025 failed compliance assessments, with most sourced online. Key information employers need to meet their obligations under the PPE at Work Regulations is often missing at the point of purchase. The Government now has an opportunity to hold online marketplaces accountable, improve worker safety, and create a fairer market for responsible suppliers.

These consultations will help shape future legislation, and the BSIF is preparing a strong response on behalf of members. The papers are available on the government website and open for feedback until 23 June. There is an urgent need for effective legislation to keep dangerous products off the market and workers safe, and responsible companies are urged to get involved.

However, legislation alone will not be enough without proper enforcement and an informed workforce demanding proven safe products.

A recent Health and Safety Executive case highlighted the consequences of inadequate PPE. A worker suffered serious burns after stepping in caustic soda, leading to a below-knee amputation. The HSE reported that the safety boots provided were in poor condition, did not offer adequate chemical protection, and had not been sufficiently tested to British Standards.

The BSIF will continue promoting the responsible supply of PPE and safety products to help employers keep workers safe.

John Hooker is CEO of BSIF. For more information, visit www.bsif.co.uk