Warning over dangerous cheap imports

CHEAP imported goods which are given away for free at business events could be dangerous, Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards team is warning.

Officers at East Midlands Airport are increasingly finding imports of unsafe promotional items, such as faulty plug-in travel adapters that pose an electrocution risk and sunglasses without UV protection which can damage eyesight.

Councillor Joe Orson, cabinet member for trading standards, warned businesses against buying cheap goods from unreliable sources.

He said: “We are finding that there is an emerging trend for dangerous promotional items being imported to give to other businesses, or possibly the public at events.

“In the past these may have been solely harmless mugs or pens, but trading standards officers checking imported consumer goods are finding more and more of these dangerous items are being imported.

“Businesses must ensure they are buying from a reputable source and that items carry the relevant safety marks.”

Firms buying such promotional products should ensure items carry a CE mark and should be cautious of goods which are drastically cheaper than the original price.

Contact the Trading Standards team on 0116 305 8000 to raise any concerns.