Product safety reportOPSS
Counterfeit Type C Laptop Charger sold on eBay safety warning over a fire risk
Product Safety Report for Counterfeit Type C Laptop Charger presenting a serious risk of fire.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
What to do now
Counterfeit Type C Laptop Charger sold on eBay could overheat or catch fire.
- Unplug it and do not charge it again.
- Store it away from anything that burns until you can return or dispose of it. Batteries should go to a battery recycling point, not the household bin.
- Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
- Report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service if the seller does not respond.
Why it matters. Faulty chargers, batteries and appliances are a common cause of house fires. A fire can start while the product is charging or switched on and nobody is watching.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- make sure you have working smoke alarms
Get help urgently
- if it starts to smoke, smell of burning or catch fire, get everyone out and call 999
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection.
If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2511-0130). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Counterfeit Type C Laptop Charger presenting a serious risk of fire.
The risk
The product presents a serious risk of fire as the transformer is of poor build quality and the plug does not contain a ballast. The plug is also considered counterfeit. The ballast is required to ensure the safe operation of the fuse under fault conditions, and its absence could lead to the plug overheating and/or exploding.
The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994.
Action taken
We recommend that you cease use of the product immediately and contact your place of purchase for further information.
Advice to consumers
We recommend that you cease use of the product immediately and contact your place of purchase for further information.
The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (eBay).
Additional information
PSD notification number: 2511-0130
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
Black USB C charger
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Counterfeit Type C Laptop Charger sold on eBay been reported?
Counterfeit Type C Laptop Charger sold on eBay could overheat or catch fire. Faulty chargers, batteries and appliances are a common cause of house fires. A fire can start while the product is charging or switched on and nobody is watching.
How do I know if my product is affected?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
Unplug it and do not charge it again. Store it away from anything that burns until you can return or dispose of it. Batteries should go to a battery recycling point, not the household bin.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection. If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
Where was Counterfeit Type C Laptop Charger sold on eBay sold?
The notice names eBay. Products bought elsewhere are covered too if they match the details listed.
