BSIF urges PPE users and buyers to review PPE stock and purchasing processes for the year ahead as scrutiny on online marketplaces intensifies

With major legislative changes approaching and early indications from BSIF’s latest testing programme suggesting that substandard PPE remains widespread on online platforms, the Federation warns that employers must take extra care to ensure the equipment they rely on is appropriate, compliant and safe.

Online marketplaces remain a key area of concern

Provisional findings from the BSIF’s 2025 product testing - set for full publication at the end of January 2026 - indicate that unsafe and non-compliant PPE continues to be widely available from online marketplaces. Early trends suggest these platforms remain a significant source of high-risk, poor-quality products.

Examples identified during the testing period include safety helmets failing impact absorption tests, fall arrest equipment not meeting essential strength requirements, and protective footwear purchased online that lacked basic mandatory protective components.

"These early results reinforce what we have consistently seen in previous years," said BSIF CEO John Hooker. "Online marketplaces pose a persistent risk, with unsafe and misleading products far too easy for buyers to encounter. January is the ideal moment for organisations to review what they already have on site and how they are sourcing it."

Regulatory scrutiny is increasing

The Product Regulation and Metrology Act (PRaM Act) brings online marketplaces into scope for product safety for the first time, requiring them to take on new responsibilities for ensuring the products they host are safe and traceable. Secondary legislation is now being drafted, and the BSIF will be engaging with associated consultations.

To further help buyers, the BSIF is developing new guidance and checklists aimed at supporting safe online procurement and helping organisations identify red flags in product listings.

Review PPE with new standards in mind

The BSIF is also reminding employers that annual PPE reviews should consider not only product condition and compliance, but also suitability for every worker.

The introduction of The Provision of Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Guide (BS 30417), highlights the importance of selecting PPE that fits a diverse workforce and ensuring procurement processes are inclusive by design.

Trusted sourcing matters more than ever

To reduce risk, the BSIF continues to encourage organisations to specify and procure PPE from Registered Safety Suppliers (RSSS) who are regularly assessed and are committed to ongoing product testing, legal compliance and staff competence.

"When businesses purchase outside the regulated supply chain, they significantly increase the chance of unknowingly introducing unsafe PPE into the workplace," added Hooker. "Sourcing from Registered Safety Suppliers is the most reliable way to ensure compliance and protect workers."

A New Year call to action

As 2026 begins, the BSIF urges employers, safety professionals and procurement teams to:

1. CHECK your supplier is BSIF Registered. BSIF audited suppliers are compliant, competent and trustworthy.

2. SELECT appropriate, certified and approved products that align with latest standards. Registered Safety Suppliers can support the product selection process through their competence, capability and knowledge.

3. PROTECT your people, your most precious asset, and help your business to thrive

"Protecting workers starts with making informed choices," stated Hooker. "A January review of PPE and sourcing processes is a simple but powerful way to ensure safety and compliance for the year ahead."

www.bsif.co.uk