A shipment of 600 step stools destined for UK homes via an online marketplace have been confiscated by Thurrock Trading Standards Ports Team after independent tests found them to be unsafe.
One of the step stools undergoing safety tests (image credit: Thurrock Council)
The plastic step stools were intercepted at the Port of Tilbury on 28 October and held while samples were sent for strength testing by the Ladder Association. They failed to meet safety standards and were described by the association as ‘one of the worst examples they had seen’.
The consignment will now be destroyed. Thurrock Trading Standards Ports Team also contacted the online marketplace, which has removed the product from sale so that current and future stock cannot be sold or put consumers at risk.
Councillor Victoria Holloway, Cabinet Member for Place and the Environment at Thurrock Council, said: “Our Trading Standards Ports Team works hard to ensure that consumer goods being brought through our ports comply with safety legislation. Thanks to their vigilant checks, these stools were prevented from being sold in the UK. The team continue to prevent other harmful goods from being sold ahead of Christmas, including unsafe electrical items, cosmetics containing banned ingredients and unsafe toys.
“Without these routine checks, unsafe and dangerous products would continue to be brought into the UK and sold to consumers, putting them at risk of harm.”
