Thurrock Council’s Trading Standards Import Surveillance Team has intercepted hundreds of unsafe and non-compliant electrical items at the borough’s ports, preventing them from entering the UK marketplace.
As part of ongoing work to check the safety of goods coming into the country, officers stopped three 40ft containers carrying household appliances including food processors, grills, toasters, fridges, and blenders, which were destined for sale via an online marketplace.
Samples sent for electrical safety testing revealed serious risks to consumers. One blender lacked proper insulation, posing a risk of electric shock, while a toaster was found to overheat and could potentially catch fire.
Thanks to the swift action of the team, 721 potentially dangerous goods were refused entry into the UK. Due to the severity of the safety risks, the importer agreed to destroy the products at their own cost.
Cllr Lynda Heath, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Constitutional and Civic Affairs, said: “Thurrock’s Trading Standards Ports team work hard to ensure that only safe and legal consumer goods enter the UK. Where unsafe items are detected, they take a robust approach and act swiftly to protect both our residents here in Thurrock, and the wider UK.”
Residents who suspect unsafe goods are being sold can report them to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
