The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is a UK government agency responsible for ensuring the safety and standards of consumer products. Established in 2018, the OPSS operates under the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
The primary role of the OPSS is to protect consumers from unsafe products and promote fair competition in the marketplace. They achieve this by enforcing product safety regulations and standards, conducting market surveillance, and coordinating product recalls when necessary.
The OPSS works closely with manufacturers, retailers, and trading standards bodies to ensure that products meet the necessary safety requirements. They provide guidance and support to businesses to help them understand and comply with product safety regulations.
It also carries out investigations and takes enforcement action against companies that fail to meet their obligations. In addition to product safety, the OPSS plays a crucial role in promoting product standards. They work with industry stakeholders to develop and maintain standards for various consumer products. These standards cover a wide range of products, including electrical appliances, toys, furniture, and cosmetics. By setting and enforcing these standards, the OPSS aims to improve the quality and reliability of products available in the UK market.
Furthermore, it is responsible for coordinating product recalls and safety. This becomes ever more important given the rise of the medical diagnostic or allergens and pollutions. And is something that we can rely on the The Office for Product Safety and Standards to provide this key oversight.
To find out how Knox Thomas can help you ensure product safety compliance, please get in touch.