[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/UK PSMB Guide UKProduct Safety # UK Product Safety and Metrology Bill: The New GB Safety Framework Coming in 2025 Great Britain's product safety law is getting its biggest update since the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 came into force. The PSMB introduces GPSR-style traceability, digital risk assessments, and new online marketplace duties — and hardware companies that have been watching the EU changes need to understand how the GB framework will diverge. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fuk-product-safety-metrology-bill) At a glance Bill Product Safety and Metrology Bill Status Progressing through Parliament (2025) Replaces General Product Safety Regulations 2005 Scope Consumer products + online marketplace duties ## What the PSMB changes for hardware sellers ### General safety requirement update — GPSR-aligned risk assessment and traceability The PSMB replaces the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 with a modernised general safety requirement that mirrors many of the GPSR's key features: mandatory risk assessments that address digital and cybersecurity risks, a requirement for a unique product identifier, and an accessible safety contact on product packaging. Companies that have already updated their documentation for EU GPSR compliance will find significant overlap with GB PSMB requirements, though the specific legal text differs. ### Online marketplace duties — platforms face new compliance obligations Following the EU's lead, the PSMB introduces specific duties for online marketplaces operating in Great Britain. Platforms will be required to verify that third-party sellers have provided the necessary product safety and traceability information, and to act on product safety alerts from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). The precise scope and timing of marketplace obligations will be set through secondary legislation under the Bill. ### Metrology reform — consolidated weights and measures law The Bill also consolidates and updates GB weights and measures legislation — the legal framework governing how quantities are declared on product packaging. For hardware companies, this primarily affects labeling of products sold by capacity, volume, or weight. The metrology provisions give the Secretary of State power to update permitted units and packaging quantity rules through secondary legislation, keeping GB law current without requiring primary legislation for each change. ### Enforcement powers — OPSS gains new market surveillance authority The Office for Product Safety and Standards receives significantly expanded enforcement powers under the PSMB, including new civil monetary penalties, strengthened recall powers, and the ability to require corrective actions from online marketplaces. OPSS has signalled that it intends to use its enhanced powers actively following commencement, and has published market surveillance priorities focused on electrical products and connected devices. ## How to prepare before PSMB comes into force 01 Monitor the PSMB's Parliamentary progress and commencement dates — the Bill may receive Royal Assent in 2025 but individual provisions will commence at different times set by statutory instrument; subscribe to OPSS and BEIS updates to track the timeline for each obligation. 02 Review your product safety technical documentation against GPSR-equivalent requirements now — risk assessments covering cybersecurity and digital risks, an internal complaints-handling system, a product identifier, and a safety contact accessible from packaging will all be required under the PSMB's general safety requirement. 03 Audit your online marketplace presence in Great Britain — if you sell through Amazon UK, eBay, or similar platforms, map which compliance obligations shift from seller to marketplace under the PSMB and which remain with you as the product manufacturer or importer. 04 Update product labeling for GB-placed products to include the unique product identifier and safety contact point required under the new general safety requirement — these can be added as a QR code or data carrier linking to a durable web page, as permitted under GPSR-equivalent digital disclosure rules. 05 Track OPSS guidance on designated standards — the PSMB maintains the designated standards system where compliance with a designated standard creates a presumption of conformity with the general safety requirement; OPSS may update which standards are designated as the Bill's implementing regulations are made. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the UK PSMB the same as the EU GPSR? The PSMB draws heavily on the EU GPSR in its approach — both require risk assessments addressing digital risks, unique product identifiers, safety contacts, and online marketplace duties. However, they are separate legal instruments with different text, different enforcement bodies, and different secondary legislation. Companies selling into both the EU and GB cannot simply copy their GPSR compliance documentation into a PSMB file without checking that it meets the specific GB requirements as set out in the Bill and its implementing regulations. ### When will the Product Safety and Metrology Bill come into force? The PSMB is progressing through Parliament in 2025 and is expected to receive Royal Assent during that year. However, Royal Assent does not automatically commence all provisions — most substantive obligations will commence through statutory instruments made under the Act, typically with a transition period. Companies should plan for substantive PSMB obligations to take effect from 2026 onwards, but monitor OPSS announcements for the actual commencement timetable as it is confirmed. ### What are the new online marketplace obligations under the PSMB? Under the PSMB, online marketplaces operating in Great Britain will be required to designate a single point of contact for OPSS, verify that third-party sellers have provided required traceability and safety information, act on product safety notices within defined timeframes, and cooperate with corrective actions including product removals and recalls. The precise obligations will be set through secondary legislation, and OPSS is expected to consult on the implementing regulations before they are made. ### Does the PSMB affect CE-marked products sold in Northern Ireland? Northern Ireland has a distinct regulatory position under the Windsor Framework. Products sold in Northern Ireland continue to require CE marking under EU rules (not UKCA marking), and EU product safety law — including GPSR — applies in Northern Ireland. The PSMB governs Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) only. Companies selling the same product in both NI and GB must ensure compliance with both the EU GPSR (for NI) and the PSMB general safety requirement (for GB) — in practice these are closely aligned but legally distinct obligations. **Disclaimer:** Educational resource only. Regulatory requirements change and vary by product category. Consult an accredited test laboratory or qualified compliance engineer before making certification decisions. 🇬🇧 UK roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇬🇧 UK compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $199](/courses/32-uk-product-regulation-metrology-act-prma)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/32-uk-product-regulation-metrology-act-prma) Related guides * [EU GPSR General Product SafetyEU Regulation (EU) 2023/988 GPSR replaced the GPSD in December 2024: new traceability rules, online marketplace duties, digital product identifiers, and the SAREF rapid-alert notification obligation.](/guides/eu-gpsr-general-product-safety) * [UK General Product Safety RegulationsThe GB 2005 general-safety baseline versus the newer EU GPSR that Northern Ireland follows.](/guides/uk-general-product-safety-regulations) * [UK Batteries Regulation 2024UK Batteries and Accumulators Regulations: producer registration with the Environment Agency, compliance scheme obligations, recycling targets, and wheelie bin labeling for battery products.](/guides/uk-batteries-regulation-2024) * [UK Modern Slavery Act Supply ChainUK Modern Slavery Act 2015 Section 54 transparency statements: six reporting areas, the government registry, electronics supply chain risk areas, and CSDDD comparison.](/guides/uk-modern-slavery-act-supply-chain)