By law, the products you sell must be safe. The main responsibilities include:
1. Warning customers of potential risks
2. Providing information to customers for them to understand the risks
3. Monitoring the safety of products
4. Taking action if a safety problem is raised.
Particular care should be taken with more high risk products such as children’s toys, food and medicines.
Although producers are primarily liable, several businesses can be jointly liable if a product causes harm. Distributors such as retail shops are not normally liable for product safety so long as they can identify the producer. They still have responsibility to ensure their products are safe and to take action if a safety issue is flagged.
The heaviest responsibility falls on the producer of the goods but if you distribute goods to customers then you will still have legal obligations. Failing to meet your legal responsibilities can have serious consequences. You could face legal action resulting in fines or even imprisonment. If an individual is injured due to your negligence, then they could sue your company.
