Understanding the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025

Key Highlights

Here is a quick rundown of what you need to know about the new Act:

• The Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 creates a new legal framework for product safety in the United Kingdom.
• It grants the Secretary of State new powers to create secondary legislation for product requirements.
• A major focus is on improving consumer protection by regulating online marketplaces to prevent the sale of unsafe goods.
• The Act aims to harmonise standards across Great Britain and Northern Ireland where possible.
• It updates metrology regulations concerning units of measurement for goods sold in the UK.
• Businesses must prepare for new compliance obligations, especially those selling products online.

Introduction

The United Kingdom’s approach to product regulation is changing. On 21 July 2025, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 received Royal Assent, officially becoming law. This significant piece of legislation establishes a modernised legal framework for how products are marketed and sold in the UK. Since the UK’s departure from the European Union, a new system was needed to manage product safety. This Act provides the foundation for that system, aiming to protect consumers and create clear rules for businesses.

Overview of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025

At its core, the Metrology Act 2025 is not a list of new rules you must follow today. Instead, it is an enabling Act. This means it gives the UK government the power to introduce new, specific regulations in the future. It sets the stage for a more flexible and responsive regulatory framework for product safety.

The primary goal is to harmonise product safety standards where needed and reduce the risks associated with using certain products. By preventing unsafe items from entering the UK market and controlling marketing claims, particularly on online platforms, the Act aims to bolster consumer confidence and safety. We’ll explore the main changes and what they mean for you.

Purpose and Scope of the Act

The main purpose of this product regulation is to protect you, the consumer. It aims to reduce or mitigate risks presented by products, including any potential harm to people, property, or domestic animals. The Act also addresses the environmental impact of products, allowing the government to create rules that align with relevant EU law to ensure sustainability.

The scope of the Act is broad, covering almost any tangible item that is produced and sold or used in the United Kingdom. This includes everything from toys and electronics to furniture and clothing. The rules apply to the entire supply chain, from the manufacturer and importer to the person who installs the product.

However, some products are specifically excluded from the Act’s scope. These are listed in the Schedule of the Act and include items regulated by other laws, such as food, medicines and medical devices, military equipment, and plant protection products. This ensures that the new framework does not overlap with existing, specialised regulations.

If you are interested in reading the full text of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025, you can typically find it on official government legislation websites, such as legislation.gov.uk, or through parliamentary records where acts of law are published for public access.

Key Definitions and Terms

Understanding the new Act means getting familiar with some key terms. The legislation provides the government with the power to make secondary legislation to ensure product safety. This allows for detailed rules to be created and updated as new technologies and risks emerge.

The Act introduces clear responsibilities for various people in the supply chain, from manufacturers to importers and online sellers. It also designates ‘relevant authorities’ who will be responsible for enforcing these new rules. One of the most significant aspects is the focus on online marketplaces, which will now have more defined product requirements. Following the introduction of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025, future developments are expected to include enhanced compliance standards, increased oversight of product safety, and ongoing updates to stay ahead of emerging technologies and market practices. This will ensure the framework remains effective and responsive to changes within the supply chain and digital commerce.

Future regulations made under this Act may specifically address:

• The marketing of products through an online marketplace.
• The provision of information to consumers and relevant authorities.
• The monitoring, assessment, and certification of products.
• The production, components, or other technical characteristics of products.

Main Changes Introduced by the Act

What are the main changes introduced by the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025? The most significant change is not a specific new rule but the creation of a new regulatory framework. The Act grants the government and the Secretary of State new powers to create detailed secondary legislation to tackle modern product safety challenges, especially in the digital economy.

This new structure is designed to be more agile than previous laws. It specifically addresses gaps in the old system, such as the lack of regulation for online marketplaces. The following sections will look at how this will update product compliance requirements and introduce new standards for consumer protection.

Updates to Product Compliance Requirements

How does the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 affect product compliance requirements in the UK? While the Act doesn’t change rules overnight, it paves the way for future updates. Businesses should anticipate new regulations concerning product safety, labelling, and traceability. For example, ensuring products display the UKCA mark will remain a key part of demonstrating compliance.

A notable feature of the Act is its flexibility regarding EU standards. It allows for regulations to state that a UK product requirement is met if the equivalent requirement of relevant EU law is also met. This is a practical approach that acknowledges many businesses trade in both the UK market and the EU, potentially simplifying compliance.

The Act applies to a vast range of goods but has specific exclusions. It’s crucial to know if your products fall in or out of scope.

New Standards for Consumer Protection

A major driving force behind the Act is the need to strengthen consumer protection, particularly with the rise of online shopping. The government has highlighted an increase in safety incidents from non-compliant products, such as unsafe lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters purchased online. In 2024, the Office for Product Safety and Standards received over 200 fire incident reports involving such products.

The Act directly targets this issue by giving the government powers to regulate online marketplaces. The goal is to create a proportionate regulatory framework where these platforms have clear responsibilities for the products sold on their sites. This brings the UK more in line with the EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR).

Online marketplaces will likely be required to:

• Take active steps to prevent unsafe products from being listed for sale.
• Ensure that sellers on their platform comply with all UK product safety obligations.
• Cooperate closely with regulators and enforcement authorities to remove dangerous goods.

Impacts on Businesses and Stakeholders

Who is impacted by the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025? The new regulatory framework will affect a wide range of UK businesses and stakeholders across the entire product supply chain. From designers and manufacturers to importers, distributors, and retailers, anyone involved in the marketing of products will need to be aware of the changes.

The most significant impact will likely be felt by online marketplaces, which will face new statutory duties for the first time. Understanding who is affected and what steps you need to take to prepare is crucial for a smooth transition. The following sections provide more detail on the specific sectors involved and how your business can get ready.

Affected Sectors and Who Needs to Comply

The Act’s reach is extensive, affecting nearly all sectors that place tangible products on the UK market. If you are a UK business involved in making, importing, or selling goods like electronics, toys, furniture, or apparel, you will need to comply with the regulations created under this new framework.

The responsibility for compliance is spread across the supply chain. While manufacturers have a primary duty to ensure their products are safe, other parties also have obligations. The Act allows for requirements to be placed on anyone who has a role in getting a product to the consumer.

Key stakeholders who need to comply include:

• The manufacturer, supplier, or importer.
• A person who installs a product.
• A person who controls the online marketing of a product, such as an online marketplace.
• An authorised representative appointed by a manufacturer.

Steps for Businesses to Prepare

What should businesses do to prepare for compliance with the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025? Although immediate changes are not required, proactive preparation is key. The first step is to stay informed. The government will hold consultations before introducing new secondary legislation, and it is vital that your business’s voice is heard.

You should begin reviewing your current product compliance processes. This includes checking your safety documentation, labelling, and traceability measures to ensure they are robust and ready for increased oversight. Given the focus on online sales, understanding how online platforms you use plan to adapt to their new duties is also essential. For complex legal questions, consulting with commercial law solicitors can provide clarity.

To get ready, your business should:

• Monitor for upcoming government consultations on new product rules.
• Review all product information and claims to ensure they are accurate and compliant.
• Be prepared to cooperate with relevant authorities regarding product safety incidents.

Conclusion

The Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 marks a significant shift in how products are regulated, ensuring enhanced consumer protection and compliance standards. By understanding its key highlights, businesses can better navigate the changes and prepare accordingly. Embracing these new regulations not only supports adherence to legal requirements but also fosters trust and safety among consumers. As stakeholders adapt to these developments, collaboration and communication will be vital. If you have questions or need assistance in navigating the complexities of this Act, get in touch with us today to ensure your business is well-prepared for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 take effect?

The Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 became law in the United Kingdom after receiving Royal Assent on 21 July 2025. However, it is an enabling Act. The specific rules and requirements will come into effect gradually through future secondary legislation created by the government.

How does the Act differ from previous UK product regulations?

This Act creates a new, more flexible regulatory framework, replacing powers from retained EU regulation. A key difference is its specific focus on regulating online marketplaces, an area where the previous framework was inadequate. It also allows for greater alignment between Great Britain and Northern Ireland where possible.

What are the penalties for non-compliance under this Act?

The Act itself doesn’t specify penalties. It grants powers to relevant authorities to carry out enforcement actions. The exact penalties for non-compliance, such as fines or other sanctions for UK businesses, will be detailed in the secondary legislation that will be introduced under this new product regulation framework.