Trading Standards seizes 1,800 dangerous batteries and chargers in East of England
More than 1,800 dangerous replacement batteries and chargers have been removed from sale following a major Trading Standards investigation across the East of England.
Why it matters: The crackdown comes as fire services report an increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries and chargers found in common household devices like laptops, mobile phones and power tools.
The big picture: Trading Standards services from nine local authorities tested 22 items purchased primarily from online marketplaces:
- All items failed to provide legally required information
- 13 failed basic safety tests, presenting risks of electric shock, fire and explosion
- One charger purchased by Suffolk Trading Standards from eBay was found to have serious safety failings that could lead to electric shock, fire or explosion
- Products were removed from major platforms, including Amazon and eBay
What you can do: Trading Standards advises residents to:
- Buy only from trusted sellers
- Use manufacturer-recommended batteries and chargers
- Follow product instructions carefully
- Never leave charging batteries unattended
- Avoid overcharging or overloading sockets
How to report: Residents who believe they have purchased unsafe products can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Bottom line: Consumers should only buy replacement batteries and chargers from trusted sellers, always use manufacturer-recommended products, and never leave devices charging unattended or overnight. If in doubt about a product's safety, contact Trading Standards through Citizens Advice.
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