Brexit ‘could flood UK with dangerous goods’

Dangerous toys, cars and household goods could flood into the UK after Brexit, a consumer group has warned. Which? magazine says there could be crucial delays to rooting out unsafe products if continued access to the European Safety Gate rapid warning system is not brokered. EU member states warned of 2,257 dangerous products last year, which prompted responses such as recalls and goods being seized at the EU border.

In recent months alerts were issued over a child’s putty that could damage their reproductive systems and clothing that poses a strangulation risk.

Access to the system and other intelligence-sharing schemes must be negotiated in a post-brexit deal.

Which? advocacy director Caroline Normand warned it was vital the current system continue after Brexit, and said: “If it is to make people’s safety a top priority, the government must secure access to the European alert and information sharing system, as well as introduce major domestic reforms to ensure consumers are properly protected.”