Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson is urging people to stay vigilant to substandard and fake goods if shopping online this Christmas.
Electricity is the primary cause of domestic fires in Scotland, with most caused by electrical products.
Multiple investigations by the charity Electrical Safety First have shown that fake, sub-standard, and dangerous electrical goods, are readily available through online marketplaces, such as Amazon, eBay, and Wish.
However, research by Electrical Safety First also shows that around 40 per cent of Scots think it is safe to shop on all online marketplaces.
Surveys by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) show that almost three-quarters of parents wrongly believe that any product aimed at children under five has to be fully tested and certified safe by an independent body before it can be sold online.
Ms Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, is convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Accident Prevention and Safety Awareness. The MSP raised the issue in a question in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.
Ms Adamson said: “Many people will be exchanging gifts with friends and loved ones. That is a big part of this time of year but it is important to stick to trusted traders and be vigilant if you are buying electrical goods or toys online.
“People wrongly assume that there are safety standards in place but online shopping does not carry the same consumer protections. It is easy for third party sellers to sell counterfeit and unsafe goods on established online platforms.
“Substandard and fake goods are readily available on all the big online marketplaces. It is particularly important to be wary of electrical goods, and items with button batteries intended for children.
“There is a dangerous perception that online goods aimed at children must be safety tested.
“CAPT research found that a majority of parents mistakenly believe that all sellers on online platforms are checking the safety of their products.
“That is simply not the case. With ongoing financial pressures, people are understandably looking for deals. But please stick to trusted traders and do not compromise on product safety.
“There are free advice and resources produced by organisations like CAPT, RoSPA, and Electrical Safety First with tips on the most common hazards like button batteries and information on unsafe product recalls.
“If you are shopping online just make sure you have all of the information. I want to wish everyone in Motherwell and Wishaw and across Scotland a very happy, healthy, and safe Christmas.”
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