Product Safety and Metrology Bill targets fire risk in emerging technologies

One of the key aspects of the Product Safety and Metrology Bill is its focus on addressing fire risks linked to technologies such as e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries. The London Fire Brigade reported a 78% increase in e-bike fires in 2023 compared to the previous year, which perfectly underscores the urgency of these measures.

The Government Bill outlines comprehensive steps to support growth and protect consumers by clarifying responsibilities within the supply chain, especially so for online marketplaces. This is crucial for better consumer protection against fire risks.

In order to ensure effective regulation of high-risk products, the Product Safety and Metrology Bill proposes updates to compliance and enforcement measures. It aims to tackle non-compliance and enhance data sharing between regulators and market surveillance authorities. These updates are essential for managing the challenges posed by modern digital borders.

Managing divergence from EU regulations

Most of the UK’s current product safety-focused legislation is derived from European Union (EU) law. The new Product Safety and Metrology Bill empowers the UK Government to manage divergence from EU regulations, allowing changes to UK legislation where and when beneficial.

This move addresses the varying application of EU laws within the UK internal market, particularly due to the Windsor Framework affecting Northern Ireland.

The Product Safety and Metrology Bill also updates the legal metrology framework, which is crucial for ensuring accuracy in weights and measures for purchased goods. This is vital for national infrastructure and consumer confidence. By supporting technological progress, the Product Safety and Metrology Bill ensures that innovations like energy meter readings remain accurate and reliable.

Future-proofing regulatory capacity

To future-proof the UK’s regulatory capacity, the Product Safety and Metrology Bill includes provisions to improve compliance and enforcement. Enhanced data sharing between regulators and the strengthening of legal metrology frameworks will support innovation, while in parallel maintaining accuracy and reinforcing the UK’s stated commitment to high product safety standards and consumer protection.

The Product Safety and Metrology Bill represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and reliability of products in the UK market by addressing contemporary fire risks and fostering economic growth through rigorous regulation and technological advancement.

Electrical Safety First responds

Commenting on the announcement of the Product Safety and Metrology Bill outlined in the King’s Speech, Wayne Mackay (head of public affairs at charity Electrical Safety First) said: “We are thrilled to hear of plans by the Government to finally address the prevalent risk of e-bike battery fires. The news follows on from our extensive campaigning work on this issue.”

Mackay continued: “This Government now has a golden opportunity to turn the tide by introducing third party certification for e-bike batteries, bringing them into line with other high-risk products already subject to extra safety rules. Our report published last year outlined this proposal, which is backed by more than 80 organisations, including manufacturers, the Emergency Services and insurance groups, all of them demanding tighter regulation that will protect the public, better protect good business and help to weed out bad operators producing sub-standard batteries.”

Further, Mackay observed: “These fires continue to tighten their grip on many parts of the country, causing severe damage, inflicting huge financial hardship and, tragically, the loss of life. The Product Safety and Metrology Bill realises the opportunity to ensure those who’ve already lost their lives to these devastating fires did not do so in vain. We are committed to working with the Government on the details of this life-saving measure.”

*Further detail concerning the Product Safety and Metrology Bill is available on the Kennedys Law LLP website, where legal director Emilie Civatte and corporate affairs lawyer Paula Margolis deliver a detailed appraisal