Product Safety Resources

This document has been prepared by members of the Product Safety Representatives Group, which is made of representatives of product safety groups from the regions and nations of the UK and is being shared by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) with Local Authority Trading Standards and Environmental Health Officers for the purpose of providing peer guidance to Local Authority Trading Standards and Environmental Health Officers on the matter of aesthetic products that are neither classed as cosmetic or medical products.

A detailed summary of the arrangements in place to make notifications outside the UK, but the initial obligation is on a business to meet its overseas notification obligations.

(Note: this guidance applies to CURRENT products and will be superseded by the Environment Protection (Single Use Vapes) Regulations which come into effect on the 1st June 2025)

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) guidance on identifying and naming substances.

An introduction from the Tyre Industry Federation to applicable regulations in England and Wales.

Things to consider when buying and using products.

This guidance outlines how retailers can source, sell and dispose of vapes (otherwise known as e-cigarettes) responsibly.

The role and responsibilities of the Single point of contact (SPOC) and the Tobacco Products Expert Panel, together with its members and participants.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute share a brief update on vapes and the next steps.

Terms of reference outlining the purpose, membership, responsibilities and function of the TEP.

Introduction to Fireworks Enforcement webinar presented Ian Hillier on behalf of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and Office for Product Safety and Standards.

This protocol provides support for local authority regulation of product safety, namely by funding the testing of samples sourced by local authorities from the businesses responsible for placing products on the market.

Under the Sampling Protocol, some test houses require a PSD notification number on submission of a sample. To support Local Authorities with this, the below guide and video explain / show how to:

Create a draft PSD notification,
Identify the draft PSD notification number,
Renew a draft PSD notification to stop it being deleted after the 90 day time limit.

An OPSS template letter to assist Trading Standards Officers when writing to a business premises that they believe is not complying with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment legislation.

Slides to accompany an OPSS presentation from 28.07.2025 which outline the environmental impact of button batteries through an explanation of their lifecycle. It also details the environmental regulations covering the acceptable content of Button and Coin Batteries and appropriate packaging, and WEEE regulations concerning takeback scheme requirements.

Single-use vape ban formal warnings note - Letter to be inserted in Local letter template.

Guidance by the National Product Safety Group (NPSG) on personal light electric vehicles (PLEVs).

Notes and Actions taken at the OPSS Product Safety Group on March 6th 2025. Please note that it is not formal DBT or OPSS guidance. Only the court of law can make a final decision on the interpretation of law and regulations.

Templates and notices for use with Single Use Vape Regulations.

From 1 June 2025, single-use (disposable) vape products will be banned in the UK, as the Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) Regulations 2024 take effect. This measure aims to reduce plastic waste and promote more sustainable vaping options. It marks a significant step towards environmental responsibility within the vaping industry. This guidance outlines the key aspects of the ban that wholesalers and retailers need to know to ensure their products comply.

Referring safety matters to OPSS.

Meeting notes and actions from the Product Safety Reps Group meeting on 6th December 2024.