Consumer Protection

1. Consumer Protection

2. Testing • Quantitative Test (measurable) • Qualitative Testing (opinions) • Sensory Testing (opinions)

3. Testing During Production • Testing Prototypes • Consumer trials • Testing properties of materials • Testing during production • Quality Control • Quality Assurance • Sensory testing

4. Fair testing • Tests need to be done under very strict guidelines to ensure every one is the same

5. Comparative testing • Ensure the criteria is the same for each product • Ensure you understand what the products were meant to do

6. Regulations - guidance • There are many Regulatory Bodies • Many of these are set up by manufacturing groups, (FIRA Furniture Industry Research Association, British Glass Federation) • They provide guidance for manufacturers and designers.

7. Regulations - guidance • Trade associations – join us follow our rules • They provide clear guidance for manufacturers and designers and undertake their own testing.

8. Independent testers • Independent bodies test many products before they are put on sale • Work closely with BSI to develop new tests and highlight potential problems

9. Legislation – the Law • The Trade Descriptions Act. (false claims) • The Weights and Measures Act. (accurate size, weight, quantity) • The Consumer Safety Act. • The Consumer Protection Act. (harmful products) • The Sale of Goods Act. (Fit for purpose)

10. British Standards Institute • BSI devises tests that products or components have to meet. • It awards the Kitemark to those products that meet the standards.

11. International Standards Organisation • ISO is the world’s leading developer of International Standards. • ISO standards specify the requirements for state-of-the-art products, services, processes, materials and systems. • ISO standards are designed to be implemented worldwide.

12. ISO standards for companies • Good conformity assessment, managerial and organizational practice. • ISO 9000 is a standard laid down for companies with good quality management systems in place and is assessed and awarded by BSI

13. Conformité Europeenne • Simply means that the product has been approved for sale in the European Union. • Meets basic requirements but may not have been tested against specific criteria • The letters 'CE' on a product are the manufacturer's claim that the product meets the requirements of all relevant European Directives.

14. CE marking – BSI interpretation • Indicates to governments that the product can be legally sold within the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) • Ensures the product can move freely throughout the European Single Market • Indicates to customers that the product meets designated minimum safety standards and therefore a minimum level of quality • Promotes public health and safety • Enhances product credibility • Leads to improved sales and greater customer satisfaction.

15. Consumer groups • Comparative reports on products • Detailed specifications analysed • Independently tested • Value for money advice • Campaigns

16. Pressure groups • Independent (often international) • Campaign on many issues such as genetically engineered food products