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# Trading Standards seizes 1,800 dangerous batteries and chargers in East of England
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/trading-standards-seizes-1800-dangerous-batteries-and-chargers/
- Published: 2025-01-31T08:28:44.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:23:32.000Z
- Description: 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.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Scams & Consumer Safety, #article, Suffolk Trading Standards, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**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

![Lithium-ion batteries on a wooden table](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1738180052-lithium-ion-batteries-on-table-1.jpg)

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 Photo: AlexLMX (Getty Images)

**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](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/?ref=ipswich.co.uk).

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