Consumer Protection Act 1987: What Businesses and Consumers Need to Know

The Consumer Protection Act 1987 (CPA) is an important piece of UK legislation designed to protect consumers from defective products, while making it clear what is expected of businesses that design, manufacture, import or sell goods in the UK.

Whether you are a business owner, manufacturer, importer, retailer, or a consumer who has suffered loss or injury, understanding how the Act works can help you protect your rights and manage risk effectively.

What Is the Consumer Protection Act 1987?

The CPA aims to ensure that products placed on the UK market are safe and that there is clear accountability when defective products cause harm. One of the most significant aspects of the CPA is that it imposes strict liability.

This means that a product is considered defective if it does not meet the level of safety that people are generally entitled to expect. If the defective product causes injury, death or property damage, the injured person does not need to prove negligence or fault. It is enough to show that the product was defective, and that any injury or damage was most likely caused by the product.

For consumers, this simplifies claims and strengthens protection.
For businesses, it places a clear responsibility on ensuring products are safe before they reach the market.

Why It Matters for Businesses

For manufacturers, brand owners and importers, the Act reinforces the importance of taking product safety seriously at every stage of the product lifecycle including:

• Design and development
• Sourcing and manufacturing
• Testing and quality control
• Packaging and labelling
• Ongoing post-market monitoring

Good compliance is not just about meeting legal obligations. It helps protect brand reputation, reduces the risk of claims and recalls, and builds long term consumer trust.

Key Legal Points Businesses and Consumers Should Know

Liability Without Fault

A business can be held liable even if it followed industry standards and took reasonable care. If the product is found to be unsafe compared with what people expect, liability may still arise.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Responsibility can sit with the manufacturer, the brand owner, or the importer. If the manufacturer/producer cannot be identified, liability may pass to the supplier.

What Damages Can Be Claimed For?

Consumers may claim for death or personal injury. Claims may also cover damage to private property intended for personal use, subject to minimum value thresholds.

Time Limits Apply

Claims must usually be brought within three years of becoming aware of the damage, and no claim can be brought more than 10 years after the date the product was last put into circulation.

Limited Defences for Businesses

Businesses have only specific legal defences available, including but not limited to:

• Proving that the product wasn’t the cause of the damage
• The defect did not exist when the product was supplied
• The defect could not have been discovered given the scientific knowledge available at the time

How Hegarty Can Help

We can advise both businesses and individuals on product liability and consumer protection matters, offering clear, practical guidance tailored to your situation.

For businesses, we can support you with:

• Understanding responsibilities and exposure under the Consumer Protection Act
• Developing practical defence strategies to product liability and safety claims
• Supporting responses to consumer complaints, claims and regulatory scrutiny

For consumers, we can help you with:

• Explaining rights under the Consumer Protection Act in clear terms
• Assessing whether a product may be legally defective
• Understanding realistic next steps when a product has caused damaged to property

A Balanced and Practical Framework

The CPA is not intended to restrict innovation. Instead, it promotes safe products, informed consumers, and accountable businesses.

When safety and compliance are built in from the start, disputes are less likely to arise, and everyone benefits.

If you would like advice on product safety, consumer rights, or business compliance, please contact our team. We are happy to discuss your situation and explain your options clearly and pragmatically.