Counterfeit hand sanitiser

Published: Thursday, 4th June 2020

Since the pandemic started, London Trading Standards teams have seized 6.5 million sub-standard face masks and 8,000 counterfeit hand sanitisers at Heathrow, to protect consumers.

The trading standards team here in Royal Greenwich is on the frontline of London’s clampdown on substandard products that are supposed to help protect people from COVID-19.  

Most recently, we have prevented a stall in Woolwich from trading as they were in breach of coronavirus regulations and were selling protective equipment, such as face masks, that were non-compliant.  

Cllr Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: "Sadly, some dishonest businesses are using the pandemic as an opportunity to scam the public, which is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Royal Greenwich.

"We do recognise that most of our businesses are responsible and some businesses may be unaware of the rules, however this does not excuse your responsibility, all traders selling personal protective equipment need to ensure their products meet the required regulations." 

To report concerns about fake products or false claims being made about products in the borough, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133

You can report your concerns about rogue businesses in the borough to tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk