A report published yesterday estimates trading standards efforts to intercept unsafe consumer products at ports and borders saves the UK economy at least £281 million per year in costs of injuries, fatalities and fires.

The report concludes that an estimated 1.11 million unsafe goods were prevented from entering the consumer market.

The study was commissioned by the National Trading Standards board, which funds trading standards work at ports and borders, and produced by Matrix Knowledge.

‘Trading Standards provides a very important service at Ports and Borders,’ said Consumer Minister Jenny Willott. ‘First and foremost any product coming into the country needs to be safe for consumers.

However, we also need to crack down on those who try to bring in unsafe or illegal items to protect legitimate businesses trying to compete on a level playing field.’

Yestday’s results suggest that for every £1 invested in points of entry, net economic benefits range from £9 to £84 and the majority of border points included in the study returned a ratio of over £50 per pound invested.

The research focused on the borders identified previously as posing the greatest threat as a route for unsafe consumer products to enter the supply chain including airports, ports and postal hubs.

‘This research reinforces what we have known for some time, that money spent tackling the problem at the source of entry makes sound economic sense,’ said Lord Toby Harris, chairman of National Trading Standards which funds the Safety at Ports and Borders Team in England and Wales said. ‘At a time when public sector funding is under severe pressure the Safety at Ports and Borders work represents excellent value for taxpayer’s money. We are very grateful for the support of all the local authorities who have borders in their areas, including Suffolk, Southampton, Thurrock, Manchester and many others.

‘From exploding phone chargers to lethal chain saws, from harmful skin lightening cream to dangerous toys which pose a choking hazard for small children, trading standards officers prevent consumers from suffering serious harm on an almost daily basis via their intervention at borders,’ Lord Harris said.