Guidance

OPSS enforcement: enforcement policy

Guidance for businesses we regulate.

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Our current enforcement policy remains in effect while feedback provided to OPSS on a draft version published in November 2023 is considered. OPSS expects to publish an updated version of its enforcement policy early in 2024.

This sets out the approach of the Office for Product Safety and Standards to addressing non-compliance by those we regulate and to product safety risks. We are committed to delivering regulation in a manner that is risk-based, proportionate and consistent and we aim to be transparent and accountable about our regulatory approach and activities. Our primary concerns when non-compliance or product safety risk has been identified are to ensure protection for people and the environment; and to ensure adequate steps are taken to address the issue and to minimise the likelihood of recurrence. We use the tools and powers available to us to hold businesses to their responsibilities and will undertake sustained and escalating interventions where necessary.

The specific enforcement actions available to OPSS under certain regulations are set out in guidance.

Access our guidance on enforcement actions and associated rights

A list of the enforcement actions we have taken in line with the approach set out in our enforcement policy is also available.

See our enforcement actions

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Published 3 April 2017
Last updated 24 November 2023 + show all updates
  1. References to the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 added to the draft version of the revised Enforcement Policy.

  2. Draft version of revised Enforcement Policy published for consideration, with any feedback requested by 15 December 2023.

  3. Revised enforcement policy published alongside new guidance on how OPSS may use its enforcement powers in certain areas of regulation.

  4. Revised enforcement policy published.

  5. Revised enforcement policy published.

  6. First published.