More retailers caught selling controlled goods without SAFETY Mark

SINGAPORE — More retailers have been caught selling controlled goods that do not bear the SAFETY Mark, which indicates that a product has met safety standards. This is due to targeted spot checks being carried out on new products in the market such as electric scooters.

Last year, SPRING SINGAPORE received 40 complaints on possible infringements over the SAFETY Mark and issued 46 compounded fines to retailers — both the highest seen in the past seven years.

Twenty-six compounded fines were issued in 2014 and 2013, while 2012 saw 44 such fines issued. 

These figures were shared today (Jan 13) following a routine spot check by SPRING, which steps up on such checks during festive periods, such as on festive goods and household consumer products during Chinese New Year.

In response to queries, SPRING said hoverboards and electric scooters are not regulated by SPRING but their power adaptors are among the 45 categories of controlled goods — like electrical, electronic and gas appliances — that must be registered with SPRING and issued with a SAFETY Mark before they can be sold in the local market.

It also said there have been no accidents arising from use of products not bearing the SAFETY Mark, but noted: “Consumers, too, are encouraged to take ownership of their safety and that of their family by making informed and safer choices when buying products for themselves and their loved ones.”

With the increased number of retailers and new products in Singapore, the agency plans to check 1,200 retailers and suppliers this year, up from 800 last year.

If caught selling controlled goods that do not bear the SAFETY Mark, retailers must stop selling the item, and can be fined up to S$10,000, jailed two years’ jail, or punished with both.