Overview

The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill aims to update UK product safety and measurement regulations, replacing and adapting existing EU legislation following Brexit. It grants the Secretary of State powers to create regulations covering product safety, efficient operation, accurate measurement, and environmental impact, as well as establishing enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance.

Description

This bill gives the Secretary of State the power to create regulations for product safety and metrology (measurement).

Product Regulation:

The bill allows the creation of regulations to reduce risks posed by products, ensure their efficient operation (especially measuring/weighing devices), and mitigate environmental impact. It defines risks encompassing harm to people, animals, property, or electromagnetic disturbances. The Secretary of State must publish a risk assessment statement. The bill specifies who is responsible for compliance, including manufacturers, importers, online marketplaces, and those involved in product certification. It outlines enforcement powers including inspections, seizures, and sanctions for non-compliance, including potential criminal penalties. Certain product categories, listed in a schedule (food, feedstuffs, plants, some aircraft components, medicines etc.), are excluded.

Metrology:

The bill allows for regulations on units of measurement used for goods, including requirements for marking and packaging. It specifically protects the use of the pint for draught beer/cider and milk in returnable containers. Enforcement mechanisms mirror those for product regulations, with powers for inspection, seizure, and sanctions.

Supplementary Provisions:

The bill includes provisions for information sharing between relevant authorities and other specified parties (including emergency services), cost recovery for enforcement activities, and the adaptation of existing regulations to the new framework. The bill also makes consequential amendments to existing Acts, removing outdated or redundant sections.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't specify any direct government spending figures. However, it anticipates costs for relevant authorities in enforcing regulations, with provision for fee recovery from those affected by the enforcement actions.

Groups Affected

Manufacturers: Will need to ensure products meet new regulations.
Importers: Responsible for compliance of imported goods.
Online Marketplaces: Subject to regulations concerning the products sold on their platforms.
Consumers: Benefit from improved product safety and accurate measurements.
Relevant Authorities (e.g., trading standards): Responsible for enforcing the regulations.
Businesses selling Excluded Products: Will remain under existing legislation for those products.

Powered by nyModel