THURROCK Council’s Trading Standards team has been recognised for the outstanding work it does to keep consumers safe, both locally and nationally. The team has recently been praised by National Trading Standards (NTS) for its vital role in preventing thousands of dangerous products from entering the supply chain.
Thurrock hosts one of 11 National Trading Standards Safety at Ports and Borders Teams in England and Wales. Since the project funding began in 2013, Thurrock has developed an expert team to inspect and detain unsafe consumer products through the Port of Tilbury and DP World London Gateway.
Items detained by Thurrock officers so far this year include dangerous electric chargers for LED lights, unsafe plastic toys, hoverboards and skin lightening creams – all of which failed compliance tests as they pose health risks to consumers.
The support provided by Thurrock Trading Standards helped National Trading Standards prevent nearly 450,000 unsafe items from entering the country last year, saving more than £70 million in consumer detriment.
Cllr Sue MacPherson, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods, said:
“The team should – and quite rightly – be praised for the work they do protecting not only Thurrock residents but also consumers across the country.”
Wendy Martin, Programme Director, National Trading Standards, said:
“National Trading Standards is committed to protecting consumers and we’re delighted that our dedicated teams at national points of entry – including Thurrock – are doing exactly that.
“The officers at Thurrock Council provide considerable expertise and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for the contribution they are making to protect consumers both in Thurrock and across the country.”
