Rattan Garden Furniture was found to be selling dangerous chairs (Credit: Google)
Trading standards officers initially received an anonymous complaint that Rattan Garden Furniture Ltd, based in North Street, was selling two types of dangerous chair.
They conducted two test purchases of the Atlanta and Tokyo chairs and sent them to a laboratory for fire safety tests. The results showed that the fabric and foam used in the chairs was unsafe.
The officers then seized the products from the company’s warehouse in Essex. A suspension notice was also issued to the business to prevent the future sale of the chairs.
Rattan Furniture Company Ltd pleaded guilty to possessing goods that did not meet safety regulations, with the intention to sell to the public.
The company also admitted to breaking the suspension notice by continuing to advertise the two chairs for sale on its website.
It received a £15,000 fine for the offences and was ordered to pay costs in excess of £13,000.
The leader of Havering Council, Cllr Ray Morgon, said: “In the wake of recent tragedies, it is vital that businesses follow strict fire safety rules for products to ensure their customers stay safe. There is no excuse for businesses to sell unsafe products.
“It’s sad that we had to take action against this company, but I’m pleased with this result, and hope it encourages other companies to ensure their products meet British safety standards.”
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Tags: Business, Romford, Havering, Havering Council
