Pet accessories insurance/certifications

[japancool]

I suspect this is one for @Frank the Insurance guy, but any other insights would be welcome.

I want to start up a pet accessories website, selling unique imported pet accessories. What kind of insurance and/or certifications do I need? Will they need UKCA testing?

Obviously, I'll need product liability insurance, I don't particularly want to be on the hook if someone's pet pooch gets strangled by an improperly worn luxury collar. Does anything else spring to mind?

I will need to translate any safety instructions from the original language into English, I assume.

None of these items will be food, but obviously, some of them will be toys that pets will bite and chew on. I'm not importing from China (I don't do cheap Chinese tat), so I'm certain they will not be toxic, and they'll have undergone testing in their country of origin. Is there any provision for an equivalence in safety testing? Or will I need to have each different product tested? That would seem to be prohibitive.

Thanks for any guidance.

 

[AlanJ1]

I will need to translate any safety instructions from the original language into English, I assume.

I know you will need to do this, can't advise on the rest though.

I'm not importing from China (I don't do cheap Chinese tat),

So is everything from China, "Cheap Chinese Tat?"

 

[japancool]

So is everything from China, "Cheap Chinese Tat?"

Pretty much.

 

[AlanJ1]

Pretty much.

I mean I find that a pretty hilarious statement.

You do realize the scale of the products that are on the market that come from China?

 

[japancool]

You do realize the scale of the products that are on the market that come from China?

There's an awful lot of tat out there.

 

[AlanJ1]

There's an awful lot of tat out there.

I never said there wasn't. An awful lot of good product too.

Most major brands you see buy from China in some aspect so by generalizing that everything from China is "cheap tat" is pretty outrageous in my opinion.

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

Obviously, I'll need product liability insurance,

That's the obvious one.

Also need to consider whether you want cover for your loss or damage to the stock in store pending sale.

Are you shipping substantial amounts in at a time - if you are liable for loss or damage while being shipped, you should get some marine/transit insurance.

Employers Liability Insurance is a legal requirement, unless you are the only worker/director.

Few other things you may want to consider.

Feel free to get in touch if you want a chat.

With regards to safety standards etc you will need to meet all the relevant requirements. Insurers will not advice on what these are, but any insurance will be subject to you making your own enquiries and ensuring everything is in place that should be.