This Bill was introduced to Parliament in September 2024. It is intended to ensure product development, including safety, environmental standards and information for consumers remains up to date and, where appropriate, aligned with EU legislation. It also will cover measurement and weighing of goods as well as specific measures to regulate sales through online marketplaces.

The Bill gives powers to the Secretary of State to introduce secondary legislation to cover these issues. It is the detailed, secondary legislation which will impact on retail operations and supply chains. We expect the Bill to become an Act in Spring 2025 and after that we will see secondary legislation probably by Summer 2025. We understand one priority will be ensuring alignment, where appropriate, with EU product safety legislation such as the General Product Safety Regulations which come into force in December 2024. The other priority will be regulating online marketplaces.

In principle, greater alignment with the EU to avoid additional costs in supply chains and retailers operating across the EU and in Northern Ireland, is welcome. However, we have some concerns the Bill doesn't require the Secretary of State to formally consult business on the detail of secondary legislation and we are considering trying to amend the Bill.

Below is a summary of the Bill, its provisions and impact on your business.