§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what guidelines her Department has produced on the level of proof that will be required for the purchase of laser pens with beams more powerful then one milliwatt. [15920]
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsLaser pens with beams of more than one milliwatt are classified as class 3 A, 3 B and 4 in the BS EN 60825-Part 1: 1994 and in my statement of 28 October, I made clear the department's view that such pens present an unacceptable risk when used by the general public.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations such products may only be supplied if they are exclusively used in the context of a commercial activity and are not supplied to a consumer.
Suppliers who fail to comply with the Regulations face penalties of a maximum fine of £5,000 and/or a maximum term of three months in prison.
For further guidance on levels of proofs retailers may be advised to seek legal advice.