Lincolnshire Trading Standards has raised concerns about unsafe 3D printed goods appearing on online marketplaces. Increasing numbers of products have been found to fall short of legal safety requirements, prompting a warning to both residents and small businesses.
Items produced with 3D printers are often categorised as toys, meaning they must comply with strict regulations designed to prevent hazards such as choking risks. By law, products sold in the UK must include key details such as the manufacturer or importer’s name and address, a batch or model number, and the correct CE or UKCA safety marks.
Trading Standards officers monitor online sales and carry out inspections. Non-compliant products can be seized and destroyed, and sellers risk legal consequences. Intellectual property laws also apply, so reproducing trademarked characters or logos without authorisation remains unlawful.
Anyone producing or distributing 3D printed goods is required to follow either The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 or, if no specific legislation applies, The General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Guidance for businesses is available through the Business Companion website, while Lincolnshire Trading Standards can provide additional advice and label checks on a paid basis.
