Consumer Protection Act 1987

Part II U.K. Consumer Safety

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Part II : definition of "supply" applied (E.W.)(1.12.1991) by Statutory Water Companies Act 1991 (c. 58, SIF 130), ss. 1(6), 17(2)

C2 Pt. II applied in part (with modifications) (20.5.2016) by The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/507), regs. 1(2), 53(3)

10 The general safety requirement. U.K.

F1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 10 omitted (1.10.2005) by virtue of The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/1803, reg. 46(2) (with regs. 42, 43)

11 Safety regulations. U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations under this section ( “safety regulations”) make such provision as he considers appropriate F2 . . . for the purpose of securing—

(a) that goods to which this section applies are safe;

(b) that goods to which this section applies which are unsafe, or would be unsafe in the hands of persons of a particular description, are not made available to persons generally or, as the case may be, to persons of that description; and

(c) that appropriate information is, and inappropriate information is not, provided in relation to goods to which this section applies.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, safety regulations may contain provision—

(a) with respect to the composition or contents, design, construction, finish or packing of goods to which this section applies, with respect to standards for such goods and with respect to other matters relating to such goods;

(b) with respect to the giving, refusal, alteration or cancellation of approvals of such goods, of descriptions of such goods or of standards for such goods;

(c) with respect to the conditions that may be attached to any approval given under the regulations;

(d) for requiring such fees as may be determined by or under the regulations to be paid on the giving or alteration of any approval under the regulations and on the making of an application for such an approval or alteration;

(e) with respect to appeals against refusals, alterations and cancellations of approvals given under the regulations and against the conditions contained in such approvals;

(f) for requiring goods to which this section applies to be approved under the regulations or to conform to the requirements of the regulations or to descriptions or standards specified in or approved by or under the regulations;

(g) with respect to the testing or inspection of goods to which this section applies (including provision for determining the standards to be applied in carrying out any test or inspection);

(h) with respect to the ways of dealing with goods of which some or all do not satisfy a test required by or under the regulations or a standard connected with a procedure so required;

(i) for requiring a mark, warning or instruction or any other information relating to goods to be put on or to accompany the goods or to be used or provided in some other manner in relation to the goods, and for securing that inappropriate information is not given in relation to goods either by means of misleading marks or otherwise;

(j) for prohibiting persons from supplying, or from offering to supply, agreeing to supply, exposing for supply or possessing for supply, goods to which this section applies and component parts and raw materials for such goods;

(k) for requiring information to be given to any such person as may be determined by or under the regulations for the purpose of enabling that person to exercise any function conferred on him by the regulations.

(3) Without prejudice as aforesaid, safety regulations may contain provision—

(a) for requiring persons on whom functions are conferred by or under section 27 below to have regard, in exercising their functions so far as relating to any provision of safety regulations, to matters specified in a direction issued by the Secretary of State with respect to that provision;

(b) for securing that a person shall not be guilty of an offence under section 12 below unless it is shown that the goods in question do not conform to a particular standard;

(c) for securing that proceedings for such an offence are not brought in England and Wales except by or with the consent of the Secretary of State or the Director of Public Prosecutions;

(d) for securing that proceedings for such an offence are not brought in Northern Ireland except by or with the consent of the Secretary of State or the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland;

(e) for enabling a magistrates’ court in England and Wales or Northern Ireland to try an information or, in Northern Ireland, a complaint in respect of such an offence if the information was laid or the complaint made within twelve months from the time when the offence was committed;

(f) for enabling summary proceedings for such an offence to be brought in Scotland at any time within twelve months from the time when the offence was committed; and

(g) for determining the persons by whom, and the manner in which, anything required to be done by or under the regulations is to be done.

(4) Safety regulations shall not provide for any contravention of the regulations to be an offence.

(5) Where the Secretary of State proposes to make safety regulations it shall be his duty before he makes them—

(a) to consult such organisations as appear to him to be representative of interests substantially affected by the proposal;

(b) to consult such other persons as he considers appropriate; and

(c) in the case of proposed regulations relating to goods suitable for use at work, to consult [F3 the Health and Safety Executive] in relation to the application of the proposed regulations to Great Britain;

but the preceding provisions of this subsection shall not apply in the case of regulations which provide for the regulations to cease to have effect at the end of a period of not more than twelve months beginning with the day on which they come into force and which contain a statement that it appears to the Secretary of State that the need to protect the public requires that the regulations should be made without delay.

(6) The power to make safety regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament and shall include power—

(a) to make different provision for different cases; and

(b) to make such supplemental, consequential and transitional provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(7) This section applies to any goods other than—

(a) growing crops and things comprised in land by virtue of being attached to it;

(b) water, food, feeding stuff and fertiliser;

(c) gas which is, is to be or has been supplied by a person authorised to supply it by or under [F4 section 7A of the Gas Act 1986 (licensing of gas suppliers and gas shippers) or paragraph 5 of Schedule 2A to that Act (supply to very large customers an exception to prohibition on unlicensed activities)][F5 or under Article 8(1)(c) of the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996];

(d) controlled drugs and licensed medicinal products;

[F6 (e) medical devices.]

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 11: power conferred by s. 11 exercised by S.I. 1991/1530

S. 11: s. 11 power exercised (28. 11. 1991) by S.I. 1991/2693.

P2 S. 11(5) power exercised by S.I. 1991/447.

P3 S. 11(5) power previously exercised by S.I. 1989/2358, 2347, 2288, 2233, 1291, 1275, 1988/1647, 1324, 1979, 1911.

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in s. 11(1) omitted (1.10.2005) by virtue of The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/1803), reg. 46(3) (with regs. 42, 43)

F3 Words in s. 11(5)(c) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Legislative Reform (Health and Safety Executive) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/960), art. 22, Sch. 3 (with art. 21, Sch. 2)

F4 Words in s. 11(7)(c) substituted (E.W.S.) (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 16(1), Sch. 4 para. 15(2); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F5 Words in s. 11(7)(c) inserted (N.I.) (10.6.1996) by S.I. 1996/276 (N.I. 2), art. 71(1), Sch. 6 (with Sch. 7 paras. 2, 3(2)); S.R. 1996/216, art. 2

F6 S. 11(7)(e) inserted (26.5.2021) by Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021 (c. 3), ss. 41(1)(a), 50(3) (with s. 41(8)); S.I. 2021/610, reg. 2(c) (with reg. 3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 11 applied (N.I.) (1.12.1993) by S.R. 1993/412, reg. 19(3)

C4 S. 11(3)(c)(e)(f) applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (28.11.2003 for certain purposes, 15.7.2004 for certain further purposes and otherwise prosp.) by Fireworks Act 2003 (c. 22), ss. 11(6), 18 (with s. 2(8)); S.I. 2003/3084, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2004/1831, art. 2, Sch.

C5 S. 11(3)(f): certain functions made exercisable concurrently (29.7.2004) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/2030), art. 4, Sch.

C6 S. 11(5) excluded (1.8.2002) by S.I. 2002/1770, reg. 1(2)

12 Offences against the safety regulations. U.K.

(1) Where safety regulations prohibit a person from supplying or offering or agreeing to supply any goods or from exposing or possessing any goods for supply, that person shall be guilty of an offence if he contravenes the prohibition.

(2) Where safety regulations require a person who makes or processes any goods in the course of carrying on a business—

(a) to carry out a particular test or use a particular procedure in connection with the making or processing of the goods with a view to ascertaining whether the goods satisfy any requirements of such regulations; or

(b) to deal or not to deal in a particular way with a quantity of the goods of which the whole or part does not satisfy such a test or does not satisfy standards connected with such a procedure,

that person shall be guilty of an offence if he does not comply with the requirement.

(3) If a person contravenes a provision of safety regulations which prohibits or requires the provision, by means of a mark or otherwise, of information of a particular kind in relation to goods, he shall be guilty of an offence.

(4) Where safety regulations require any person to give information to another for the purpose of enabling that other to exercise any function, that person shall be guilty of an offence if—

(a) he fails without reasonable cause to comply with the requirement; or

(b) in giving the information which is required of him—

(i) he makes any statement which he knows is false in a material particular; or

(ii) he recklessly makes any statement which is false in a material particular.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding sixmonths or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to both.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 12 applied (N.I.)(1.12.1993) by S.R. 1993/412, reg. 19(3)

S. 12 applied (1.9.1993) by S.I. 1993/1746, reg. 18(3)

S. 12 applied (31.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3247, art. 16(3)

C8 S. 12 applied (with mofifications) (N.I.) (1.6.2015) by The Biocidal Products and Chemicals (Appointment of Authorities and Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (S.R. 2013/206), regs. 2(2), 17(5) (with regs. 3, 19)

C9 S. 12 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (1.6.2015) by The Biocidal Products and Chemicals (Appointment of Authorities and Enforcement) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1506), regs. 2(2), 18(5) (with reg. 3(4)(5)31)

C10 S. 12(5) excluded (29.4.2010) by The Aerosol Dispensers Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2824), reg. 6(3)

C11 S. 12(5) excluded (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1881), reg. 55A(2) (as inserted by S.I. 2020/1460, reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 5(6))

C12 S. 12(5) excluded (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Aerosol Dispensers Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2824), reg. 6(3A) (as inserted by S.I. 2020/1460, reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 4(4)(c))

13 Prohibition notices and notices to warn. U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may—

(a) serve on any person a notice ( “a prohibition notice”) prohibiting that person, except with the consent of the Secretary of State, from supplying, or from offering to supply, agreeing to supply, exposing for supply or possessing for supply, any relevant goods which the Secretary of State considers are unsafe and which are described in the notice;

(b) serve on any person a notice ( “a notice to warn”) requiring that person at his own expense to publish, in a form and manner and on occasions specified in the notice, a warning about any relevant goods which the Secretary of State considers are unsafe, which that person supplies or has supplied and which are described in the notice.

(2) Schedule 2 to this Act shall have effect with respect to prohibition notices and notices to warn; and the Secretary of State may by regulations make provision specifying the manner in which information is to be given to any person under that Schedule.

(3) A consent given by the Secretary of State for the purposes of a prohibition notice may impose such conditions on the doing of anything for which the consent is required as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(4) A person who contravenes a prohibition notice or a notice to warn shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [F7 three months] or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to both.

(5) The power to make regulations under subsection (2) above shall be exercisable by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament and shall include power—

(a) to make different provision for different cases; and

(b) to make such supplemental, consequential and transitional provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(6) In this section “relevant goods” means—

(a) in relation to a prohibition notice, any goods to which section 11 above applies; and

(b) in relation to a notice to warn, any goods to which that section applies or any growing crops or things comprised in land by virtue of being attached to it.

[F8 (7) A notice may not be given under this section in respect of any aspect of the safety of goods, or any risk or category of risk associated with goods, concerning which provision is contained in the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.]

Textual Amendments

F7 Words in s. 13(4) substituted (3.10.1994) by S.I. 1994/2328, reg. 11(d) (which said S.I. 1994/2328 was revoked (1.10.2005) by S.I. 2005/1803, reg. 1(2),

F8 S. 13(7) inserted (1.10.2005) by The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/1803), reg. 46(4) (with regs. 42, 43)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 13 applied (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3139, reg. 3(2)(a) (which said S.I. 1992/3139 was revoked (15.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1144, reg. 1(2), Sch. 11 para. 1)

S. 13 applied (3.10.1994) by S.I. 1994/2328, reg. 11(a)

S. 13 restricted (1.1.1995 until end of 1996) by S.I. 1994/2326, reg. 5

S. 13 restricted (24.2.1995) by S.I. 1995/204, reg. 10(11)

S. 13 applied (with modifications) (9.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3260, reg. 13(1)

S. 13 applied (with modifications) (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/2001, reg. 24, Sch. 8 para. 2(b)

S. 13 extended (7.6.2000) by S.I. 2000/1315, reg. 18(6)

S. 13 applied (with modifications) (15.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1144, regs. 2(2), 16(1)-(3), Sch. 10 paras. 1, 3

C14 S. 13 applied (with modifications) (17.8.2015) by The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1553), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(a), 2

C15 S. 13 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Lifts Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1093), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(a), 2 (with regs. 3-5)

C16 S. 13 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1105), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(a), 2 (with reg. 88)

C17 S. 13 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1091), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1, 2 (with regs. 74, 75(5))

C18 S. 13 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1101), reg. 1, Sch. 3 paras. 1, 2 (with reg. 3)

C19 S. 13 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1092), reg. 1, Sch. 5 paras. 1(a), 2 (with reg. 3)

C20 S. 13 applied (with modifications) (3.8.2017) by The Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/737), reg. 1, Sch. 13 paras. 1(a), 2 (with reg. 89)

C21 S. 13 applied (with modifications) (26.12.2017) by The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1206), reg. 1, Sch. 10 paras. 1, 2 (with regs. 3-5, 77)

C22 S. 13 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Gas Appliances (Enforcement) and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/389), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2)

C23 S. 13 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/390), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2(1)-(3))

14 Suspension notices. U.K.

(1) Where an enforcement authority has reasonable grounds for suspecting that any safety provision has been contravened in relation to any goods, the authority may serve a notice ( “a suspension notice”) prohibiting the person on whom it is served, for such period ending not more than six months after the date of the notice as is specified therein, from doing any of the following things without the consent of the authority, that is to say, supplying the goods, offering to supply them, agreeing to supply them or exposing them for supply.

(2) A suspension notice served by an enforcement authority in respect of any goods shall—

(a) describe the goods in a manner sufficient to identify them;

(b) set out the grounds on which the authority suspects that a safety provision has been contravened in relation to the goods; and

(c) state that, and the manner in which, the person on whom the notice is served may appeal against the notice under section 15 below.

(3) A suspension notice served by an enforcement authority for the purpose of prohibiting a person for any period from doing the things mentioned in subsection (1) above in relation to any goods may also require that person to keep the authority informed of the whereabouts throughout that period of any of those goods in which he has an interest.

(4) Where a suspension notice has been served on any person in respect of any goods, no further such notice shall be served on that person in respect of the same goods unless—

(a) proceedings against that person for an offence in respect of a contravention in relation to the goods of a safety provision (not being an offence under this section); or

(b) proceedings for the forfeiture of the goods under section 16 or 17 below,

are pending at the end of the period specified in the first-mentioned notice.

(5) A consent given by an enforcement authority for the purposes of subsection (1) above may impose such conditions on the doing of anything for which the consent is required as the authority considers appropriate.

(6) Any person who contravenes a suspension notice shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [F9 three months] or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to both.

(7) Where an enforcement authority serves a suspension notice in respect of any goods, the authority shall be liable to pay compensation to any person having an interest in the goods in respect of any loss or damage caused by reason of the service of the notice if—

(a) there has been no contravention in relation to the goods of any safety provision; and

(b) the exercise of the power is not attributable to any neglect or default by that person.

(8) Any disputed question as to the right to or the amount of any compensation payable under this section shall be determined by arbitration or, in Scotland, by a single arbiter appointed, failing agreement between the parties, by the sheriff.

Textual Amendments

F9 Words in s. 14(6) substituted (3.10.1994) by S.I. 1994/2328, reg. 11(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C24 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3073, reg. 28, Sch. 6 para. 3(c)

Ss. 14-18 amended (3.10.1994) by S.I. 1994/2328, reg. 11(b)

S. 14 excluded (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/2326, reg. 4(1) (which said S.I. 2002/2326 was revoked (15.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1144, reg. 1(2), Sch. 11 para. 3)

S. 14 restricted (1.1.1995 until end of 1996) by S.I. 1994/2326, reg. 5

S. 14 restricted (24.2.1995) by S.I. 1995/204, reg. 10(11)

S. 14 applied (with modifications) (9.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3260, reg. 13(1)

S. 14 applied (with modifications) (1.7.1997) by S.I. 1997/831, reg. 19(1)-(4), Sch. 15 para. 2(b) (with Sch. 15 para. 7) S. 14 applied (with modifications) (31.5.1998) by S.I. 1998/1165, reg. 13(2)(a) (which said S.I. was revoked (25.8.2003) by S.I. 2003/1941, reg. 1(2))

S. 14 applied (with modifications) (26.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/1053, reg. 16(3)(a)

S. 14 applied (with modifications) (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/2001, reg. 24, Sch. 8 para. 2(c)

S. 14 applied (with modifications) (8.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/730, reg. 18(1), Sch. 9 para. 1(2)

S. 14 excluded (7.6.2000) by S.I. 2000/1315, reg. 19(2)

S. 14 restricted (13.6.2002) by S.I. 2002/618, reg. 62

S. 14 modified (13.6.2002) by S.I. 2002/618, reg. 63

S. 14 applied (with modifications) (15.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1144, regs. 2(2), 16(1)-(3), Sch. 10 paras. 1, 3

S. 14 applied (with modifications) (25.8.2003) by S.I. 2003/1941, reg. 8, Sch. IV para. 2(a)

C25 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (17.8.2015) by The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1553), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(b), 2

C26 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2015) by The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1640), reg. 1, Sch. 4 para. 1(1)(a) (with reg. 3(5))

C27 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1092), reg. 1, Sch. 5 paras. 1(b), 2 (with reg. 3)

C28 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1101), reg. 1, Sch. 3 paras. 1, 2 (with reg. 3)

C29 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1091), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1, 2 (with regs. 74, 75(5))

C30 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1105), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(b), 2 (with reg. 88)

C31 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Lifts Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1093), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(b), 2 (with regs. 3-5)

C32 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (3.8.2017) by The Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/737), reg. 1, Sch. 13 paras. 1(b), 2 (with reg. 89)

C33 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (26.12.2017) by The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1206), reg. 1, Sch. 10 paras. 1, 2 (with regs. 3-5, 77)

C34 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Gas Appliances (Enforcement) and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/389), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2)

C35 S. 14 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/390), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2(1)-(3))

C36 S. 14(6) modified (20.5.2016) by The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/507), regs. 1(2), 53(4)

15 Appeals against suspension notices. U.K.

(1) Any person having an interest in any goods in respect of which a suspension notice is for the time being in force may apply for an order setting aside the notice.

(2) An application under this section may be made—

(a) to any magistrates’ court in which proceedings have been brought in England and Wales or Northern Ireland—

(i) for an offence in respect of a contravention in relation to the goods of any safety provision; or

(ii) for the forfeiture of the goods under section 16 below;

(b) where no such proceedings have been so brought, by way of complaint to a magistrates’ court; or

(c) in Scotland, by summary application to the sheriff.

(3) On an application under this section to a magistrates’ court in England and Wales or Northern Ireland the court shall make an order setting aside the suspension notice only if the court is satisfied that there has been no contravention in relation to the goods of any safety provision.

(4) On an application under this section to the sheriff he shall make an order setting aside the suspension notice only if he is satisfied that at the date of making the order—

(a) proceedings for an offence in respect of a contravention in relation to the goods of any safety provision; or

(b) proceedings for the forfeiture of the goods under section 17 below,

have not been brought or, having been brought, have been concluded.

(5) Any person aggrieved by an order made under this section by a magistrates’ court in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, or by a decision of such a court not to make such an order, may appeal against that order or decision—

(a) in England and Wales, to the Crown Court;

(b) in Northern Ireland, to the county court;

and an order so made may contain such provision as appears to the court to be appropriate for delaying the coming into force of the order pending the making and determination of any appeal (including any application under section 111 of the M1 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 or Article 146 of the M2 Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (statement of case)).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37 S. 15 applied (with modifications) (1.1.1993) by S.I. 1992/3073, reg. 28, Sch. 6 para. 3(c).

Ss. 14-18 amended (3.10.1994) by S.I. 1994/2328, reg. 11(b)

S. 15 applied (with modifications) (1.7.1997) by S.I. 1997/831, reg. 19(1)-(4), Sch. 15 para. 2(b) (with Sch. 15 para. 7)

S. 15 applied (with modifications) (31.5.1998) by S.I. 1998/1165, reg. 13(2)(a) (which said S.I. was revoked (25.8.2003) by S.I. 2003/1941, reg. 1(2))

S. 15 applied (with modifications) (26.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/1053, reg. 16(3)(a)

S. 15 applied (with modifications) (29.11.1999) by S.I. 1999/2001, reg. 24, Sch. 8 para. 2(c)

S. 15 applied (with modifications) (8.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/730, reg. 18(1), Sch. 9 para. 1(2)

S. 15 modified (13.6.2002) by S.I. 2002/618, reg. 63

S. 15 applied (with modifications) (15.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1144, regs. 2(2), 16(1)-(3), Sch. 10 paras. 1, 3

S. 15 applied (with modifications) (25.8.2003) by S.I. 2003/1941, reg. 8, Sch. IV para. 2(a)

C38 S. 15 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2015) by The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1640), reg. 1, Sch. 4 para. 1(1)(a) (with reg. 3(5))

Marginal Citations

M1 1980 c.43.

M2 S.I. 1981/1675 (N.I. 26).

16 Forfeiture: England and Wales and Northern Ireland. U.K.

(1) An enforcement authority in England and Wales or Northern Ireland may apply under this section for an order for the forfeiture of any goods on the grounds that there has been a contravention in relation to the goods of a safety provision.

(2) An application under this section may be made—

(a) where proceedings have been brought in a magistrates’ court for an offence in respect of a contravention in relation to some or all of the goods of any safety provision, to that court;

(b) where an application with respect to some or all of the goods has been made to a magistrates’ court under section 15 above or section 33 below, to that court; and

(c) where no application for the forfeiture of the goods has been made under paragraph (a) or (b) above, by way of complaint to a magistrates’ court.

(3) On an application under this section the court shall make an order for the forfeiture of any goods only if it is satisfied that there has been a contravention in relation to the goods of a safety provision.

(4) For the avoidance of doubt it is declared that a court may infer for the purposes of this section that there has been a contravention in relation to any goods of a safety provision if it is satisfied that any such provision has been contravened in relation to goods which are representative of those goods (whether by reason of being of the same design or part of the same consignment or batch or otherwise).

(5) Any person aggrieved by an order made under this section by a magistrates’ court, or by a decision of such a court not to make such an order, may appeal against that order or decision—

(a) in England and Wales, to the Crown Court;

(b) in Northern Ireland, to the county court;

and an order so made may contain such provision as appears to the court to be appropriate for delaying the coming into force of the order pending the making and determination of any appeal (including any application under section 111 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 or Article 146 of the Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (statement of case)).

(6) Subject to subsection (7) below, where any goods are forfeited under this section they shall be destroyed in accordance with such directions as the court may give.

(7) On making an order under this section a magistrates’ court may, if it considers it appropriate to do so, direct that the goods to which the order relates shall (instead of being destroyed) be released, to such person as the court may specify, on condition that that person—

(a) does not supply those goods to any person otherwise than as mentioned in section 46(7)(a) or (b) below; and

(b) complies with any order to pay costs or expenses (including any order under section 35 below) which has been made against that person in the proceedings for the order for forfeiture.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39 Ss. 14-18 amended (3.10.1994) by S.I. 1994/2328, reg. 11(b)

S. 16 excluded (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/2326, reg. 4(1) (which said S.I. 1994/2326 was revoked (15.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1144, reg. 1(2), Sch. 11 para. 3)

S. 16 restricted (1.1.1995 until end of 1996) by S.I. 1996/2326, reg. 5

S. 16 restricted (24.2.1995) by S.I. 1995/204, reg. 10(11)

S. 16 applied (with modifications) (9.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3260, reg. 13(1)

S. 16 excluded (7.6.2000) by S.I. 2000/1315, reg. 19(2)

S. 16 restricted (13.6.2002) by S.I. 2002/618, reg. 62

S. 16 modified (13.6.2002) by S.I. 2002/618, reg. 63

S. 16 applied (with modifications) (15.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1144, regs. 2(2), 16(1)-(3), Sch. 10 paras. 1, 3

C40 S. 16 applied (with modifications) (17.8.2015) by The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1553), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(c), 2

C41 S. 16 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1091), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1, 2 (with regs. 74, 75(5))

C42 S. 16 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1105), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(c), 2 (with reg. 88)

C43 S. 16 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1092), reg. 1, Sch. 5 paras. 1(c), 2 (with reg. 3)

C44 S. 16 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1101), reg. 1, Sch. 3 paras. 1, 2 (with reg. 3)

C45 S. 16 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Lifts Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1093), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(c), 2 (with regs. 3-5)

C46 S. 16 applied (with modifications) (3.8.2017) by The Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/737), reg. 1, Sch. 13 paras. 1(c), 2 (with reg. 89)

C47 S. 16 applied (with modifications) (26.12.2017) by The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1206), reg. 1, Sch. 10 paras. 1, 2 (with regs. 3-5, 77)

C48 S. 16 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Gas Appliances (Enforcement) and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/389), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2)

C49 S. 16 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/390), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2(1)-(3))

17 Forfeiture: Scotland. U.K.

(1) In Scotland a sheriff may make an order for forfeiture of any goods in relation to which there has been a contravention of a safety provision—

(a) on an application by the procurator-fiscal made in the manner specified in section 310 of the M3 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975; or

(b) where a person is convicted of any offence in respect of any such contravention, in addition to any other penalty which the sheriff may impose.

(2) The procurator-fiscal making an application under subsection (1)(a) above shall serve on any person appearing to him to be the owner of, or otherwise to have an interest in, the goods to which the application relates a copy of the application, together with a notice giving him the opportunity to appear at the hearing of the application to show cause why the goods should not be forfeited.

(3) Service under subsection (2) above shall be carried out, and such service may be proved, in the manner specified for citation of an accused in summary proceedings under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975.

(4) Any person upon whom notice is served under subsection (2) above and any other person claiming to be the owner of, or otherwise to have an interest in, goods to which an application under this section relates shall be entitled to appear at the hearing of the application to show cause why the goods should not be forfeited.

(5) The sheriff shall not make an order following an application under subsection (1)(a) above—

(a) if any person on whom notice is served under subsection (2) above does not appear, unless service of the notice on that person is proved; or

(b) if no notice under subsection (2) above has been served, unless the court is satisfied that in the circumstances it was reasonable not to serve notice on any person.

(6) The sheriff shall make an order under this section only if he is satisfied that there has been a contravention in relation to those goods of a safety provision.

(7) For the avoidance of doubt it is declared that the sheriff may infer for the purposes of this section that there has been a contravention in relation to any goods of a safety provision if he is satisfied that any such provision has been contravened in relation to any goods which are representative of those goods (whether by reason of being of the same design or part of the same consignment or batch or otherwise).

(8) Where an order for the forfeiture of any goods is made following an application by the procurator-fiscal under subsection (1)(a) above, any person who appeared, or was entitled to appear, to show cause why goods should not be forfeited may, within twenty-one days of the making of the order, appeal to the High Court by Bill of Suspension on the ground of an alleged miscarriage of justice; [F10 and section 182(5)(a) to (e) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 shall apply to an appeal under this subsection as it applies to a stated case under Part X of that Act].

(9) An order following an application under subsection (1)(a) above shall not take effect—

(a) until the end of the period of twenty-one days beginning with the day after the day on which the order is made; or

(b) if an appeal is made under subsection (8) above within that period, until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

(10) An order under subsection (1)(b) above shall not take effect—

(a) until the end of the period within which an appeal against the order could be brought under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975; or

(b) if an appeal is made within that period, until the appeal is determined or abandoned.

(11) Subject to subsection (12) below, goods forfeited under this section shall be destroyed in accordance with such directions as the sheriff may give.

(12) If he thinks fit, the sheriff may direct that the goods be released, to such person as he may specify, on condition that that person does not supply those goods to any other person otherwise than as mentioned in section 46(7)(a) or (b) below.

Textual Amendments

F10 Words in s. 17(8) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 5, 7(2), Sch. 4 para. 68

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C50 Ss. 14-18 amended (3.10.1994) by S.I. 1994/2328, reg. 11(b)

S. 17 excluded (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/2326, reg. 4(1) (which said S.I. 1994/2326 was revoked (15.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1144, reg. 1(2), Sch. 11 para. 3)

S. 17 restricted (1.1.1995 until end of 1996) by S.I. 1994/2326, reg. 5

S. 17 restricted (24.2.1995) by S.I. 1995/204, reg. 10(11)

S. 17 applied (with modifications) (9.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3260, reg. 13(1)

S. 17 excluded (7.6.2000) by S.I. 2000/1315, reg. 19(2)

S. 17 restricted (13.6.2002) by S.I. 2002/618, reg. 62

S. 17 modified (13.6.2002) by S.I. 2002/618, reg. 63

S. 17 applied (with modifications) (15.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1144, regs. 2(2), 16(1)-(3), Sch. 10 paras. 1, 3

C51 S. 17 applied (with modifications) (17.8.2015) by The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1553), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(d), 2

C52 S. 17 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1091), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1, 2 (with regs. 74, 75(5))

C53 S. 17 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1101), reg. 1, Sch. 3 paras. 1, 2 (with reg. 3)

C54 S. 17 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Lifts Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1093), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(d), 2 (with regs. 3-5)

C55 S. 17 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1092), reg. 1, Sch. 5 paras. 1(d), 2 (with reg. 3)

C56 S. 17 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1105), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(d), 2 (with reg. 88)

C57 S. 17 applied (with modifications) (3.8.2017) by The Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/737), reg. 1, Sch. 13 paras. 1(d), 2 (with reg. 89)

C58 S. 17 applied (with modifications) (26.12.2017) by The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1206), reg. 1, Sch. 10 paras. 1, 2 (with regs. 3-5, 77)

C59 S. 17 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Gas Appliances (Enforcement) and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/389), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2)

C60 S. 17 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/390), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2(1)-(3))

Marginal Citations

M3 1975 c. 21.

18 Power to obtain information. U.K.

(1) If the Secretary of State considers that, for the purpose of deciding whether—

(a) to make, vary or revoke any safety regulations; or

(b) to serve, vary or revoke a prohibition notice; or

(c) to serve or revoke a notice to warn,

he requires information which another person is likely to be able to furnish, the Secretary of State may serve on the other person a notice under this section.

(2) A notice served on any person under this section may require that person—

(a) to furnish to the Secretary of State, within a period specified in the notice, such information as is so specified;

(b) to produce such records as are specified in the notice at a time and place so specified and to permit a person appointed by the Secretary of State for the purpose to take copies of the records at that time and place.

(3) A person shall be guilty of an offence if he—

(a) fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with a notice served on him under this section; or

(b) in purporting to comply with a requirement which by virtue of paragraph (a) of subsection (2) above is contained in such a notice—

(i) furnishes information which he knows is false in a material particular; or

(ii) recklessly furnishes information which is false in a material particular.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) above shall—

(a) in the case of an offence under paragraph (a) of that subsection, be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale; and

(b) in the case of an offence under paragraph (b) of that subsection be liable—

(i) on conviction on indictment, to a fine;

(ii) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C61 Ss. 14-18 amended (3.10.1994) by S.I. 1994/2328, reg. 11(b)

S. 18 applied (with modifications) (15.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1144, regs. 2(2), 16(1)-(3), Sch. 10 paras. 1, 3

S. 18 applied (E.W.S.) (28.11.2003) by Fireworks Act 2003 (c. 22), ss. 2(7), 18 (with s. 2(8)); S.I. 2003/3084,{art. 2}, Sch.

C62 S. 18 applied (with modifications) (17.8.2015) by The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1553), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(e), 2

C63 S. 18 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1105), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(e), 2 (with reg. 88)

C64 S. 18 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1091), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1, 2 (with regs. 74, 75(5))

C65 S. 18 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1101), reg. 1, Sch. 3 paras. 1, 2 (with reg. 3)

C66 S. 18 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1092), reg. 1, Sch. 5 paras. 1(e), 2 (with reg. 3)

C67 S. 18 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Lifts Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1093), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(e), 2 (with regs. 3-5)

C68 S. 18 applied (with modifications) (3.8.2017) by The Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/737), reg. 1, Sch. 13 paras. 1(e), 2 (with reg. 89)

C69 S. 18 applied (with modifications) (26.12.2017) by The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1206), reg. 1, Sch. 10 paras. 1, 2 (with regs. 3-5, 77)

C70 S. 18 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Gas Appliances (Enforcement) and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/389), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2)

C71 S. 18 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/390), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2(1)-(3))

C72 S. 18(1)(2): certain functions made exercisable concurrently (29.7.2004) by The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/2030), art. 4, Sch.

19 Interpretation of Part II. U.K.

(1) In this Part—

• “controlled drug” means a controlled drug within the meaning of the M4 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971;

• “feeding stuff” and “fertiliser” have the same meanings as in Part IV of the M5 Agriculture Act 1970;

• “food” does not include anything containing tobacco but, subject to that, has the same meaning as in the [F11 Food Safety Act 1990] or, in relation to Northern Ireland, the same meaning as in the [F12 Food Safety (Northern Ireland) Order 1991];

• “licensed medicinal product” means—

(a) any medicinal product within the meaning of the M6 Medicines Act 1968 in respect of which a product licence within the meaning of that Act is for the time being in force; F13 . . .

(b) any other article or substance in respect of which any such licence is for the time being in force in pursuance of an order under section 104 or 105 of that Act (application of Act to other articles and substances); [F14 or

(c) a veterinary medicinal product that has a marketing authorisation under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2006.]

• [F15 “medical device” has the same meaning as in Part 4 of the Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021;]

• “safe”, in relation to any goods, means such that there is no risk, or no risk apart from one reduced to a minimum, that any of the following will (whether immediately or after a definite or indefinite period) cause the death of, or any personal injury to, any person whatsoever, that is to say—

(a) the goods;

(b) the keeping, use or consumption of the goods;

(c) the assembly of any of the goods which are, or are to be, supplied unassembled;

(d) any emission or leakage from the goods or, as a result of the keeping, use or consumption of the goods, from anything else; or

(e) reliance on the accuracy of any measurement, calculation or other reading made by or by means of the goods,

• and F16 . . . “unsafe” shall be construed accordingly;

• “tobacco” includes any tobacco product within the meaning of the M7 Tobacco Products Duty Act 1979 and any article or substance containing tobacco and intended for oral or nasal use.

(2) In the definition of “safe” in subsection (1) above, references to the keeping, use or consumption of any goods are references to—

(a) the keeping, use or consumption of the goods by the persons by whom, and in all or any of the ways or circumstances in which, they might reasonably be expected to be kept, used or consumed; and

(b) the keeping, use or consumption of the goods either alone or in conjunction with other goods in conjunction with which they might reasonably be expected to be kept, used or consumed.

Textual Amendments

F11 In s. 19(1) "Food Safety Act 1990" substituted (E.W.S.) for "Food Act 1984" by Food Safety Act 1990 (c. 16, SIF 53:1, 2), s. 59(1), Sch. 3 para. 37.

F12 Words in definition of "food" in s. 19(1) substituted (N.I.) (21. 5.1991) by S.I. 1991/762, art. 51(1), Sch. 2 para. 17; S.R. 1991/175, art. 2(1).

F13 Word in s. 19(1)(a) omitted (1.10.2006) by virtue of The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2407), reg. 44(3), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 para. 7(a)

F14 S. 19(1)(c) and word inserted (1.10.2006) by virtue of The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2407), reg. 44(3), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 para. 7(b)

F15 Words in s. 19(1) inserted (26.5.2021) by Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021 (c. 3), ss. 41(1)(b), 50(3) (with s. 41(8)); S.I. 2021/610, reg. 2(c) (with reg. 3)

F16 Words in definition of "safe" in s. 19(1) omitted (1.10.2005) by virtue of The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/1803), reg. 46(5) (with regs. 42, 43)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C73 S. 19 modified (30.10.2005) by The Medicines (Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products for Human Use) Regulations 2005 (2005/2750), {reg. 10(7)} (with Sch. 6)

C74 S. 19 applied (with modifications) (1.1.1995) by 1994/3144, reg. 9(13) (as amended by S.I. 2005/2759, reg. 2(12))

C75 S. 19 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1091), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1, 2 (with regs. 74, 75(5))

C76 S. 19 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1092), reg. 1, Sch. 5 paras. 1(f), 2 (with reg. 3)

C77 S. 19 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1101), reg. 1, Sch. 3 paras. 1, 2 (with reg. 3)

C78 S. 19 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2016) by The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1105), reg. 1, Sch. 7 paras. 1(f), 2 (with reg. 88)

C79 S. 19 applied (with modifications) (3.8.2017) by The Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/737), reg. 1, Sch. 13 paras. 1(f), 2 (with reg. 89)

C80 S. 19 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Gas Appliances (Enforcement) and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/389), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2)

C81 S. 19 applied (with modifications) (21.4.2018) by The Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/390), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 (with reg. 2(1)-(3))

C82 S. 19(1) modified (14.8.2012) by The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1916), reg. 1(2), Sch. 34 para. 40 (with Sch. 32)

C83 S. 19: definition of "safe" applied (E.W.)(1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56, SIF 130), ss. 74(8), 223(2)(savings in ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 13 paras. 1, 2 and Sch. 14 para. 6)

Marginal Citations

M4 1971 c. 38.

M5 1970 c. 40.

M6 1968 c. 67.

M7 1979 c. 7.