A new UK law aimed at tackling unsafe products sold online has been welcomed by councils in Wales, though concerns remain that enforcement could be undermined without additional support for councils.

The Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025, which recently received Royal Assent, places legal duties on online platforms to prevent dangerous or illegal goods from reaching UK consumers. It also strengthens government powers to regulate emerging risks - such as lithium battery fires linked to e-scooters and e-bikes.

Welsh councils are responsible for Trading Standards services that deal with unsafe or illegal products, many of which are sold online by third parties with no UK presence. The act gives these teams stronger legal powers, but councils warn that with no new funding announced, services remain under serious pressure.

In 2024 alone, UK fire services recorded over 200 battery fires linked to e-bikes and scooters. The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has warned that without sustained local enforcement and consumer education, those risks will continue.

The WLGA will work with both UK and Welsh Government, as well as partners such as the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and National Trading Standards to ensure local authorities have a voice in shaping the secondary regulations and timelines for the new law.

Councillor Stephen Thomas, WLGA spokesperson for Regulatory Services, said:

“Local authorities are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of residents and this new law is an important step toward closing the safety gap between the high street and the internet. However, councils in Wales need the staff and tools to enforce it, otherwise, the risk simply shifts from one platform to another, and the public is still exposed.

“Effective enforcement requires appropriate investment - new legislation can only achieve its intended impact if it is supported by the resources needed for practical implementation.”