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Asbestos: Sales

Asked by James McMurdockIndependentDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 22 May 2026UIN 1808

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions his Department has had with the Health and Safety Executive regarding progress in tackling the online sale of asbestos-containing products since the enactment of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025.

Answered by Kate Dearden

Existing product safety rules make businesses responsible for the safety of the products they place on the UK market. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in my Department is working with HSE, departments and agencies across UK Government to effectively tackle the sale of asbestos-containing products, whether online or through physical stores, in line with its published incident management plan.

OPSS has led and coordinated the wider government response, bringing together experts to ensure a coherent approach to keeping people safe. Specific resources have been developed by OPSS, HSE and partners for consumers, businesses and schools.

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