Product Safety Resources

The Department for Health and Social Care has published four pieces of guidance to support understanding of initial measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. These measures will commence on 29 October 2026 and 1 January 2027.

PTA2 aims to identify product subcategories that present most concerns in each sector and assessing their priority based on indicative risk (including physical, environmental and financial harm), public intolerance, and organisational readiness.

Product subcategories were triaged for assessment based on data from Product Safety Database (PSD), expert judgement of Sector Virtual Teams (SVTs), and other evidence including Product Fire Notifications, reactive allegations and case work.

Note: Definition of product subcategories can be found from GS1 Global Product Classification (brick level).

Intro to Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Webinar presented by David Hunt, CTSI Lead Officer for Tobacco, Nicotine and Vapes.

An advisory note developed by OPSS in response to emerging intelligence and recent recalls involving asbestos contamination in products containing sand. The note provides advice on product assessment, outlines potentially relevant product categories, and a request for action where products are stopped or rejected.

Please note that further updates may be issued in due course; however, you should refer to the published data sources referenced within the note for the most up-to-date information.

This document has been produced by the Office for Product Safety and Standards Border Profiling Unit. It is classified as OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE as defined by the Government Security Classifications (April 2014) and may only be disseminated to the approved distribution list as detailed in the document. If dissemination is required outside this list, please contact the Border Profiling Unit on [email protected] for advice.

Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Key Definitions and Enforcement Dates handout.

For England and Scotland.

The webpage includes the following guidance for Local Authorities for the 2026-27 Product Safety Sampling Protocol:

- 2026-27 Sampling Protocol Guidance
- Annex C - Purchase Costs Form 2026-27
- Annex D - Sampling Protocol Submission Form 2026-27
- Annex E - Sampling Protocol and PSD FAQs
- PSD Notification Timer Video
- PSD Notification User Guide

Guidance issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

OPSS recently held an online briefing which covered the current live consultations on Product Safety Framework reform. The recording and slides used on the day can be found on this page.

OPSS recently held an online briefing which covered the current live consultations on Product Safety Framework reform. The recording and slides used on the day can be found on this page.

An official authentication guide provided by PopMart, which produces Labubus and other collectibles

An official authentication Guide provided by PopMart specifically related to the Monsters line of Products, which may be of use to Local Authority Trading Standards and EHNI officers seeking to identify counterfeits

This document has been prepared by members of the Product Safety Representatives Group, which is made of representatives of product safety groups from the regions and nations of the UK and is being shared by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) with Local Authority Trading Standards and Environmental Health Officers for the purpose of providing peer guidance to Local Authority Trading Standards and Environmental Health Officers on the matter of aesthetic products that are neither classed as cosmetic or medical products.

A detailed summary of the arrangements in place to make notifications outside the UK, but the initial obligation is on a business to meet its overseas notification obligations.

(Note: this guidance applies to CURRENT products and will be superseded by the Environment Protection (Single Use Vapes) Regulations which come into effect on the 1st June 2025)

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) guidance on identifying and naming substances.

An introduction from the Tyre Industry Federation to applicable regulations in England and Wales.

Things to consider when buying and using products.

This guidance outlines how retailers can source, sell and dispose of vapes (otherwise known as e-cigarettes) responsibly.

The role and responsibilities of the Single point of contact (SPOC) and the Tobacco Products Expert Panel, together with its members and participants.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute share a brief update on vapes and the next steps.

Terms of reference outlining the purpose, membership, responsibilities and function of the TEP.