A new product recall scheme for electrical goods has been set up in the wake of the recent Whirlpool tumble-dryer safety crisis.
Launched by The Retail Ombudsman, UK Recall claims to be “the UK’s first product recall database for electrical appliances”, although white goods trade association Amdea already has an existing scheme in place called Register My Appliance.
Consumers who register their appliance on the UK Recall website will receive an automatic alert if the manufacturer issues a recall or safety notice.
The free scheme includes a wide range of electrical goods, such as home appliances, TVs, home cinema, hi-fi, multimedia devices, computers and phones.
The Retail Ombudsman said the scheme was set up to help resolve disputes between retailers and consumers and claimed it is now the dominant alternative dispute resolution scheme in the retail sector.
Brands including Whirlpool, Hotpoint, Indesit, LG, Miele , Samsung and Smeg have all signed up to the scheme. For a full list of brands, please see the UK Recall website.
Said Dean Dunham (pictured), chief ombudsman: “The Whirlpool crisis told us that relying on the media to alert the public was just too random and potentially dangerous.
“Electrical appliances are one of the most common causes of house fires and home insurers have the right to refuse a payout if you have failed to register your electrical appliances and therefore not followed a manufacturer’s instructions when issued.
“By registering with UK Recall, consumers will be immediately alerted if the manufacturer of the individual appliances you register issues a recall or safety notice. We will also ensure that you are registered on the manufacturer’s database.
“There will also be a comprehensive database of recalls.”