Product safety regulations require that all new and used consumer products placed on the UK market must be safe. The responsibility for safety sits with businesses across the supply chain.
Producers and distributors must notify their local authority if they become aware that they have placed on the market, or distributed, an unsafe product. Learn more about your responsibilities at Product safety advice for businesses – GOV.UK. There's more information about Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls - GOV.UK.
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The Publicly Available Specification PAS7100 offers practical guidance to help you act quickly and effectively to protect public safety if a consumer product is found to be unsafe. It also helps you monitor product safety and develop an incident response plan.
Government guidance on disposable BBQs
In response to the current recent period of exceptionally hot and dry weather, the Government has issued statutory product safety guidance stating that disposable BBQs cannot be considered safe products and should not be supplied or made available for sale.
The guidance has been issued under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 and applies to producers, distributors and retailers across Great Britain, including businesses selling products in-store or online.
Statutory Guidelines On Disposable BBQs - GOV.UK
Why are disposable BBQs being restricted?
Extended periods of hot weather and drought conditions have significantly increased the risk of wildfires and accidental fires. Disposable BBQs can remain extremely hot long after use and may ignite dry grass, vegetation, litter or other combustible materials.
The Government's position is that, under current recent weather conditions, disposable BBQs pose a significant risk to both the public and the environment.
What Is a disposable BBQ?
The guidance applies to all disposable BBQs, defined as:
- Single-use outdoor cooking products intended for domestic use.
- Not designed to be refilled or reused.
- Typically consisting of a fuel tray, grill grid and charcoal fuel sufficient for a single cooking session.
Trading Standards action
Portsmouth City Council Trading Standards Officers are proactively monitoring compliance while carrying out their routine duties and will investigate reports of disposable BBQs being sold.
Where disposable BBQs are found to be on sale, officers will initially require them to be removed from sale immediately. Formal enforcement powers may be considered where businesses fail to comply with this request.
Reporting concerns
Consumers who believe disposable BBQs are being sold should report the matter through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, which acts as the first point of contact for Trading Standards complaints and intelligence.
For advice or to make a report, visit: Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Guidance Under Review
The Government has confirmed that these measures form part of its response to the current heightened wildfire threat and will be kept under review. The guidance may be withdrawn when weather conditions change sufficiently to reduce the associated risks.
Businesses can download guidance notes (PDF)
Contact us
For more information, email trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or visit our Facebook page.