Heaters From Online Marketplaces Removed From Sale Due to Safety Concerns
An inquiry conducted by Which? has unveiled the potential dangers posed by inexpensive electric heaters being sold on TikTok and Temu, with risks including explosions and house fires. This revelation has prompted calls for the removal of these products from sale
Which?, a consumer advocacy group, recently evaluated eight electric heaters purchased from TikTok and Temu's online platforms. Of the heaters bought from TikTok, three out of five were deemed unsafe, while a fourth lacked essential safety warnings. Similarly, all three heaters acquired from Temu's online platform were found to pose risks to users.
The investigation focused on assessing the build quality and electrical safety of each heater, including plugs, cables, packaging, markings, and user manuals to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Common issues identified included poor assembly, accessibility to live parts, and the risk of electric shock. One heater, in particular, exhibited substandard internal circuitry and wiring, along with an illegal plug and counterfeit fuse, presenting a significant fire and explosion hazard.
Furthermore, plugs and power cables from other heaters were discovered to be non-compliant with design standards, posing risks of electric shock, fire hazards, or explosions.
Upon identifying 34 listings for unsafe heaters on both platforms, Which? promptly reported them to TikTok and Temu, resulting in their removal from the online marketplaces. Temu expressed regret for the safety concerns raised and emphasized their commitment to customer safety. TikTok stated its dedication to ensuring customer safety by removing merchants or products that violate its policies.
Which? has cautioned consumers against purchasing unbranded electrical items from online marketplaces, especially those lacking a reputable presence or appearing exclusively within the marketplace. Additionally, the consumer group has shared its findings with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection Policy at Which?, emphasized the urgency of holding online marketplaces legally responsible for unsafe products to prevent them from reaching consumers' homes. Similarly, Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, criticised the inadequacy of current laws in protecting consumers shopping on online platforms from dangerous electrical products.