Warwickshire News Mine

Trading Standards Officers visited 31 Warwickshire importers, previously unknown to the Trading Standards Service, following an examination of the HMRC database. The investigation was designed to help ensure that products being imported in to the EU and UK were safe for consumers and that traders understood their legal responsibilities.

All the importers were provided with advice appropriate to their businesses. Some of the products were destined for retail shops whilst other were being sold on through online retailers or by mail order.

Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection said:

“As the global marketplace expands and businesses source more of their goods from across the world, Trading Standards Services remain a vital link in the chain that protects consumers in Warwickshire and across the UK from unsafe products reaching the shop shelf.

"Importers, manufacturers distributors and retailers all have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe and Trading Standards Services will continue to provide the support they need to abide by the law.”

Amongst the range of goods being imported and sold were unlicensed medicinal products (sold under the guise of cosmetic products), silver jewellery, textile products, fake watches and non CE marked toys.

Importers and other Warwickshire businesses requiring help and advice are advised to contact Warwickshire Trading Standards Service on 01926 414040 or visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards

Trading Standards Officers used the Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs database to identify a total of 568 businesses based in Warwickshire who import goods from outside the European Union. Of those businesses Trading Standards regulate, 31 were previously unknown to the service.

ENDS

Notes to Editors
For further information contact:
Simon Cripwell, Senior Information Officer, (01926) 414039 or 07771 975570

Link to WCC