Report into detriment of unsafe products on the UK market
Wednesday 11th March 2026
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (“OPSS”) has published a report as part of a project by ‘estimating the value of detriment’ caused to consumers and businesses as a result of unsafe and noncompliant products being placed on the UK market.
It identifies financial losses from injuries, property damage, recalls, productivity impacts, and reputational harm, while noting that the estimates are conservative because they exclude fatalities, emotional harm, and environmental damage.
Example minimum detriment per unsafe product:
- Laser pointers: £40
- Toys: £71
- Tools/machinery: £224
- Childcare products: £345
- Electrical appliances: £422