**Government Announces Immediate Recall of TikTok Shop Charger Over ‘Serious Safety Risk’**
Consumers who have recently made purchases via TikTok’s shopping platform are being urged to check their devices after a Chinese-manufactured charger, sold through the app, was deemed a “serious risk” by British safety officials. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent recall notice for the charger, which has raised concerns over the potential for electric shock and non-compliance with established UK safety standards.
The device in question is a lithium-ion (Li-ion) charger, commonly used to power various electrical goods such as laptops and smartphones. Identifiable by its black casing, matching plug, and power supply cord, the charger was available for purchase through TikTok Shop, the retail arm of the popular social media app. According to information supplied by the OPSS, the product poses a threat due to what officials describe as poor internal construction.
Further scrutiny revealed that the length of the pins is not only incorrect but is also insufficiently insulated, creating a direct hazard. If users attempt to plug the charger in or inadvertently touch the exposed pins, there is a real risk they could suffer an electric shock. The specific safety failings mean that the charger does not satisfy the requirements set out in the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994—an essential piece of legislation designed to protect consumers in the UK.
An OPSS spokesperson elaborated: “Our assessment found significant shortcomings in the manufacturing and design of this product. The pins fall short of the necessary safety standards, making the charger unfit for safe use in UK households.” As well as the pin issue, the watchdog highlighted that improvements are needed in the charger’s labelling, marking, and accompanying documentation.
Acting swiftly following these revelations, TikTok has withdrawn the listing from its online marketplace and the recall process has begun. The OPSS strongly advises individuals who have bought this charger to halt using it immediately and to get in contact with the original distributor to seek redress. Consumers may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or, in certain cases, a repair.
UK regulators continue to monitor the evolving online marketplace landscape, noting that platforms such as TikTok have become increasingly popular for electronics sales, but also present new challenges for product safety and oversight. As more consumers turn to social commerce for convenience and deals, ensuring robust safety checks are in place has become a top priority for authorities.
Members of the public concerned they might possess the affected charger should consult guidance issued by the OPSS. Complaints or reports of unsafe items should be directed to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline in England and Wales, Advice Direct Scotland for Scottish residents, or the relevant local district council in Northern Ireland. These points of contact may involve local Trading Standards or Environmental Health authorities, tasked with enforcing product safety at the community level.
Additionally, officials emphasise that consumers hold important rights if they find themselves impacted by unsafe goods. Apart from product replacement or refunds, those who experience injury or property damage linked to defective products could be eligible for compensation, depending on the circumstances.
The OPSS encourages vigilance among shoppers, especially when purchasing electrical goods from online marketplaces. The situation serves as a timely reminder for digital platforms to increase scrutiny of products listed by third-party vendors and for buyers to check that any device brought into their home carries the relevant markings and paperwork. With online shopping only set to grow, these lessons will likely shape future policy and consumer awareness efforts.