London, 18th December 2024 - With the festive season well underway, BSI, the UK’s national standards body, is urging consumers to ensure they are checking their purchases when buying gifts and decorations for their homes. The company is encouraging consumers to:
- Check products for quality marks, such as the BSI Kitemark and CE or UKCA markings (see below)
- Check if companies have manufactured products in compliance with standards, such as standards relating to toy safety including the BS EN 71 series (covering aspects like flammability, organic chemical compounds, and mechanical and physical properties)
This comes in the wake of reports from Which? that poorly manufactured products such as toys are being illegally sold in the UK, prompting safety concerns.1
- Children’s goods
BSI has advised that parents of young children check that children's toys are safe. Consumers can be reassured that toys are safe by looking for the CE mark or UKCA mark to ensure compliance with safety standards.
In the case of, cycling, skating and horse-riding helmets are products which BSI tests for shock absorption, penetration resistance, and durability. Parents gifting these items to their children should look for items with the BSI Kitemark for an indication that a product has met certain quality, safety, and performance standards.
- Electronic Goods
BSI is advising that consumers check that their electrical decorations, including fairy lights, are in good condition with no exposed wires or frayed cords. If buying new Christmas lights, buying ones with the CE symbol ensures that products have been tested for safety, quality, and reliability, reducing the risk of accidents to provide a safer Christmas.
If buying remanufactured electrical goods, (used products that have been completely repaired or replaced as needed, and reassembled to meet the original manufacturer's performance specifications), BSI is advising that those that are certified to the BSI Kitemark to demonstrate they have been rigorously tested to meet specific standards, and are consequently likely to be higher quality.
- Digital transactions
Online digital transactions are reported to increase up to 30%2 over the festive period with many people shopping online for gifts, travel, and other Christmas-related items. Websites can also carry Kitemarks which indicate that they meet stringent cybersecurity requirements. BSI has advised that when making online purchases ahead of Christmas, consumers should look out for websites that have the Secure Digital Transactions Kitemark for clarification that they have met specific security standards for online transactions.
Todd Redwood, Global Managing Director – Consumer, Retail and Food at BSI, said: “While the responsibility to sell safe products lies with the online or physical marketplaces where they are sold, quality marks are there to reassure consumers that products have been designed and rigorously tested with safety in mind. Consumers buying toys for children or Christmas lights for their home should always look for CE or UKCA marks to know that the product won’t cause harm. By making informed choices, consumers can enhance the joy of the festivities while minimizing risks and contributing to a safer festive season.”
David Mudd, Assurance Global Head Digital Trust at BSI, said: "It’s more important than ever to stay vigilant while shopping online at Christmas time. As consumers embrace the convenience of browsing from home, it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with it. Choosing websites and products with recognized security certifications is paramount. Without these assurances, you are potentially exposing your financial and personal data to cybercriminals. A little caution goes a long way in ensuring online shopping experiences are both joyful and safe, so take extra time to check for security features to make all the difference in protecting personal information and enhance online safety this Christmas."
For further information on BSI’s standards and certification services, visit: https://www.bsigroup.com/
- https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/toys-bought-from-online-marketplaces-illegal-to-sell-in-uk-a5IhD8f2klyZ
- https://darktrace.com/news/darktrace-reports-30-more-ransomware-attacks-targeting-organizations-during-the-holiday-period-e
