In 2021, March 15th marks World Consumer Rights Day – a day to help raise global awareness about consumer rights and needs with the aim of promoting the protection of consumers all around the world.
As a consumer, it is extremely likely that you have had a bad experience in the past that has led you to feel like your needs were being overlooked and tossed to the side. Luckily, in the UK there are a variety of laws and legislations set up to help protect the rights of consumers as much as possible. But even then, a few cases still fall between the cracks, especially when it comes to online retailing.
At Electrical Safety First we are passionate about protecting consumers who are looking for affordable electrical products through online marketplaces. We have launched a variety of campaigns and initiatives to help reduce the risk of people purchasing counterfeit electric goods online, as well as educating the UK public about the dangers that online marketplaces pose to the everyday consumer.
The Government’s recently announced Online Safety Bill currently does not include any protection against dangerous electrical items for sale via online marketplaces. So illegal products, which pose a serious risk of electrical fire or shock, will continue to be sold in the UK.
A lot of people assume that products being sold online have been put through rigorous vetting processes before being allowed to be listed to the public. However, more often than not, this is not the case, even on websites that you know and trust.
In the UK, online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay and Wish are not bound to the same laws as traditional retailers. This means that fake and other dangerous electrical products are being sold to unknowing customers. Containing sub-standard or counterfeit parts, they present a serious risk of fire or electric shock. We have started a petition to demand action against the unlawful sale of dangerous electricals. Sign here.
In the meantime, you can download our ‘Check It Out’ Chrome extension that will remind you when you are not buying directly from the manufacturer or a retailer you know and trust. Download here.
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