Brexit
Trading Standards Guidance - Brexit
The United Kingdom has left the European Union (commonly known as Brexit) and the one-year transition period came to an end on 31 December 2020.
On 1 January 2021 the UK left the European Single Market and businesses will be subject to a number of changes to the way they distribute and sell goods, regardless of the outcome of any EU-UK trade agreement.
For most general retailers, the product regulation changes brought about by Brexit will be minor as the key product safety compliance responsibilities will fall on businesses higher up the supply chain, including any importer into the UK or a UK-based manufacturer.
However, for some perhaps more specialist retailers, new rules and obligations may well apply. Businesses who have sourced goods from Europe (EU and EEA) and brought these items exclusively into the UK for resale will find their responsibilities changed. Some retailers, who were previously classed as distributors of goods only and had no product conformity duties other than to monitor the safety of products they supply, may well now have new responsibilities as the first importer of those items into the UK. This change of status will have legal consequences and introduce new liabilities.
Changes to the way UK regulates goods outside the EU will be introduced over time but some changes will come in straight away. Highland Council Trading Standards are keen to support businesses through this significant period by providing specific advice as well as signposting enterprises to sources of guidance.
Sources of advice
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The Office of Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) have produced a series of guidance notes. Note that OPSS does not provide direct advice to businesses.
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The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has also produced a series of guidance on the Business Companion website. Note that CTSI does not provide direct advice to businesses.
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UK Government links to product safety and legal metrology transition guidance for businesses on the regulatory requirements and obligations:
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Guides on specific product safety and legal metrology regulations for Great Britain, and Northern Ireland
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Placing manufactured goods on the GB market from 1 January 2021
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Placing manufactured goods on the market in Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021
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Placing manufactured goods on the EU market from 1 January 2021
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Contact your relevant trade association for advice.
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Contact your solicitor for legal advice, particularly in relation to any changes to your product liability status.
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E-mail Highland Trading Standards for general advice at trading.standards@highland.gov.uk. Please provide as much detail as possible.