Consumer Protection Act

By Emily Gilks

About the actThe consumer protection act 1987.The act is in place to protect the public in the following ways: • Prohibiting the manufacture and supply of unsafe goods.• Making the manufacturer or seller of a defective product responsible for

the damage it causes.• Allowing local councils to seize unsafe goods and suspend the sale of

suspected unsafe goods.• Prohibiting misleading price indications.The act aims to establish a legal framework for maintaining a fair, accessible and efficient marketplace for consumers. This is to reduce the disadvantages experienced by vulnerable consumers when accessing goods or services. The act also aims to protect consumers from unfair trade practices.

How it effects the beauty industryThe consumer protection act effects the beauty industry in the following ways:• All goods such as; products and equipment used on clients during

treatments must be safe for public use and must be fully tested to UK standards.

• All products and goods retailed must also be safe to use.• Prices indicated for both treatments and retail products must be clear to

the consumer.• The salon must be selling products at the recommended retail price which

means having the correct price mark ups including VAT.• All price listings should be checked for human error to check that the

correct prices are being advertised to the consumer.

The effects of Non – Compliance

If a business does not comply with legislation it is breaking the law and this can result in being sued, taken to court and issued with fines. In serious cases it can result in imprisonment. When action is taken on a business in the beauty industry professionalism is lost and this can lead to a loss of clients which reduces the income of the business. This in turn can affect the insurance policies for the business.

EvaluationIn conclusion, the consumer protection act is in place to protect consumers by prohibiting the sale of unsafe goods and by making the manufacturer or seller responsible for the damages caused. This effects the beauty industry because selling and using goods and products is a major part of the beauty industry. With this in mind Beauty businesses must only sell goods they have purchased from recognised and trusted suppliers to make sure all goods are safe to use and sell.

Bibliography

Websites used:

• Adlib.everysite.co.uk/adlib/defra/content.aspx?id=18280• www.meumannwhite.co.za/news-details/25/• www.cosmeticweb.co.za/pebble.asp?relid=14385&sec=bus• www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/resistantmaterials/

designsocialrev10.shtml• www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1987/43

Legislations• Health and safety act – big umbrella that covers many acts• Trade descriptions act• Cosmetic (safety)