Firm fined for selling unsafe hoverboards

A COMPANY director and his business have been fined more than £11,600 each for selling hoverboards that breached safety regulations.

Allen Chen, director of Digi4u Ltd, pleaded guilty himself and on behalf of his company to three offences under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

He also admitted two offences under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

The hearing took place at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday following action by Cardiff council.

Digi4u Ltd is based at Waterside Business Park on Lamby Way in Cardiff.

The court heard Chen contacted suppliers in China to import hoverboards as they started to become popular in the UK.

Prosecutors said he also contacted the trading standards department and was given advice about the safety requirements expected of the boards.

But the court heard the company did not follow the advice and failed to scrutinise documents provided by the suppliers to ensure compliance.

A total of 11 hoverboards were seized by trading standards during their investigation.

The court heard there were no serious incidents and all customers were given refunds. His company has now employed a firm to verify the products they import from China to ensure they meet safety standards.

Both Chen and Digi4u Ltd were fined £11,622, as well as being ordered to pay costs of £500 each and a victim surcharge of £170 each.

Following the case, Councillor Dan De’Ath, cabinet member for skills, democracy and engagement, said: “It is vital advice given by our trading standards officers is followed to the letter.”