The new regime for consumer safety in the UK

I had a meeting today and will post a fuller report to (hopefully) open a discussion in the members area of the web site.

It is not exactly straightforwards but is looking very positive.

My meeting was with Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards . Their set up is a bit new and different but opens up opportunity for FRETWORK to make an agreement that can lead to the FCOGP being able to carry their symbol as an endorsement and the idea of other schemes being directed to favour recognition of such schemes is important.

We will have I believe, to use NCC as our audit service. In return for setting up the scheme that will be administered by FRETWORK we will receive assured advice on operating within suitable compliance for the new regime of consumer safety.

It offers as a bonus to give through various processes support on contentious issues so CTRs could be on the agenda and even, with potential development of regulatory practices, amendment of Regulation through the NCC relationship with OPSS – what is OPSS: answers on a postcard by those who are paying attention.

So………, welcome to the members area.

The new regime for Consumer Safety only started in January but certain aspects are becoming clear and I believe my timely (lucky?) contact with NCC is full of potential.

They are one of a select group of Authorities who are a) committed through a commercial set up to liaise with Industry and b) are part of the committee working with the Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

I have taken time explain that all is not well in our supply chain and areas where we have concerns that do not end up being addressed for whatever reason. The choice of filling in the cigarette test is an example. I have outlined my thoughts on CTRs and this resonates with the new approach very nicely.

I have also stressed the importance of chemical selection and similar issues and audit of formulators and their active inclusion in the FCOGP is very much on the agenda.

I shall leave it there but would welcome any correspondence we can share between ourselves.

PJW Friday 25th May 2018