If you have concerns about the safety of a product that you have purchased, please contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. You will be offered advice on your query and the matter will be referred to us if necessary.
There is a general legal requirement for products that are intended for or likely to be used by consumers to be safe under normal use. In addition, a range of items are covered by specific legislation. These include toys, cosmetics, nightwear, upholstered furniture and electrical products.
What we do
We visit shops in the borough and examine and test items to ensure that they comply with safety legislation and are correctly labelled. If we have any concerns, we may sample products and submit them for testing to check that they are safe. We can use our powers to seize goods that we believe to be unsafe and the ultimate sanction is to require a product recall.
Business advice
We can advise local importers and manufacturers on the requirements of safety laws relevant to their products. If your business is based in the borough and you need advice on product safety, you can contact us directly at trading.standards@merton.gov.uk. You can also visit the Business Companion website which covers all major Trading Standards legislation.
For comprehensive and up to date guidance on how to deal with customer complaints, refunds and returns visit the Business Companion website. All the training and promotional materials provided are available to access online or to download in a variety of formats.
Related websites
- Legislation
Contains the full text of UK legislation. - Business Companion
This site provides interpreted, simplified and prioritised information, which covers all major Trading Standards legislation. - Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
A government department that works to create the best environment for business success in the UK. - Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)
Offers advice on safety in the home and the prevention of accidents in all areas of life.
Contact us
Trading Standards
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX
Email: trading.standards@merton.gov.uk
Tel: 020 8545 3025
Consumer Advice
The Citizens Advice consumer service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues.