Overview

The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill aims to update UK product safety and measurement regulations, replacing or adapting existing rules inherited from the European Union. It will give the Secretary of State powers to set standards for product safety, ensure accurate measurement, and enforce these regulations.

Description

This bill focuses on two key areas: product regulation and metrology.

Product Regulation:

The bill allows the Secretary of State to create regulations covering various aspects of product marketing and use in the UK. These regulations can address risks to health, safety, and the environment, including electromagnetic interference. It also empowers relevant authorities (public bodies) to monitor compliance, investigate issues, and enforce regulations. Enforcement can include inspections, seizure of products, and various sanctions (fines and even criminal penalties). Specific requirements can be set for product design, manufacturing, marking, information provision, and online marketplaces. The bill lists some excluded products, including food, certain agricultural products, medicines and medical devices (excluding measuring devices), and military equipment.

Metrology:

The bill grants the Secretary of State the power to set regulations concerning units of measurement and quantities of goods sold. This includes how measurements are determined and expressed, and relevant authorities will be able to monitor compliance in this area as well. The bill provides for the same enforcement mechanisms as the product regulation section.

Supplementary Provisions:

The bill includes provisions for information sharing between relevant authorities and other bodies (including emergency services), cost recovery mechanisms for enforcement, and consequential amendments to existing legislation to avoid overlaps.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify any direct government spending figures. However, costs may arise from implementing and enforcing the new regulations, including staffing for relevant authorities and potential legal costs.

Groups Affected

• Manufacturers: Will be subject to new product requirements and compliance monitoring.
• Importers: Will be responsible for ensuring that products meet UK standards before being marketed.
• Online Marketplaces: Will need to comply with regulations concerning product information and marketing.
• Consumers: Will benefit from improved product safety and accurate measurement.
• Relevant Authorities: Will be responsible for enforcing the new regulations.
• Businesses selling goods: Will have to adhere to new metrology regulations.

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