‘Don’t chance’ buying illegal furniture’

Coleraine Borough Council continues to engage with enforcement and advisory bodies carrying out regular coordinated surveillance work under the Consumer Protection function. These activities are conducted in an attempt to monitor and control the manufacture, importation and subsequent supply of unsafe consumer goods within the Borough.

Seamus McBride, Environmental Health Officer at Coleraine Borough Council said “In recent months, there has been a marked increase in the level of concern not only by Enforcement Bodies, but also the general public. This is over the availability and general supply of furniture which may not meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.

“I’d ask consumers to ensure that if they are considering purchasing furniture, they check it is correctly labelled. The label clearly states that it meets the flammability standards contained in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. Recent surveillance work within the Coleraine Borough Council area has resulted in the sampling, testing, suspension, withdrawal and subsequent exportation of a consignment of European furniture.