A furniture shop in Romford has been handed a £15,000 fine for selling chairs that did not comply with fire safety rules following an investigation by Havering Council Trading Standards.
After receiving an anonymous complaint about the ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Tokyo’ chairs being sold by Rattan Garden Furniture Ltd, Officers from Havering’s Trading Standards team conducted test purchases at the retailer.
The products were sent to a laboratory for fire safety tests, which revealed that the fabric and foam used in the chairs failed to meet the safety standard for upholstered furniture (BS 5852).
All of the non-compliant chairs were subsequently seized from the company’s warehouse with the support of Essex Trading Standards.
Appearing at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on September 6, the company owners pleaded guilty to possessing goods that did not meet safety regulations, with the intention to sell to the public.
The company also pleaded guilty to contravening a suspension notice for continuing to advertise the Atlanta and Tokyo chairs for sale on its website after the suspension notice was issued.
The company received a fine of £15,000 for the offences and was ordered to pay costs in excess of £13,000.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said: “In the wake of recent tragedies, it is vital that businesses follow strict fire safety rules for products to ensure their customers stay safe. There is no excuse for businesses to sell unsafe products.
“It’s sad that we had to take action against this company, but I’m pleased with this result, and hope it encourages other companies to ensure their products meet British safety standards.”
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