Dangerous Travel Adaptors Found on Major Online Marketplaces
Electrical Safety First testing reveals all 14 adaptors from online retailers failed UK safety standards, posing electric shock risks.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
All 14 travel adaptors tested by Electrical Safety First (ESF), purchased from prominent online marketplaces, failed to meet stringent UK safety requirements, exposing a critical consumer hazard.
This widespread failure exposes a persistent issue within the online retail landscape: dangerous goods continue to reach consumers through major platforms.
Giuseppe Capanna stated that despite platforms claiming customer safety as a priority, investigations consistently show they fail to prevent dangerous items from being freely available.
In response to these findings, AliExpress, Amazon, eBay, and TikTok Shop confirmed the removal of the flagged products; each platform asserted its commitment to product safety.
An Amazon spokesperson confirmed, "The products identified have been removed from sale."
The products identified have been removed from sale.
AliExpress is contacting affected customers to initiate a recall; the company reviews other similar listings to prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, eBay conducts wider checks across its platform to identify and remove similar listings, aiming to bolster its safety protocols.
An eBay spokesperson highlighted their use of technology, AI-supported monitoring, and specialist teams in maintaining a safe marketplace.
However, the scale of the problem remains a concern: Electrical Safety First (ESF) claims thousands of dangerous travel adaptors may still be for sale online.
This is not an isolated incident; consumer group Which? recently identified similar dangers with phone chargers sold through online channels.
User accounts further underscore the potential for harm: one Amazon Marketplace user claimed a device "fell apart in their hands" and that they "could have been electrocuted" during use.
Another AliExpress user claimed a universal travel adaptor exploded while in use, illustrating the severe consequences of these product failures.
The ongoing presence of such hazardous electrical goods on major online platforms raises critical questions, challenging the effectiveness of current safety measures and enforcement.
The contrast between platform assurances and the reality of dangerous products reaching the public demands immediate and sustained action.
As the summer travel season approaches, the proliferation of unsafe travel adaptors poses a direct threat to millions of holidaymakers seeking convenient power solutions.
The findings necessitate a re-evaluation of how online marketplaces regulate third-party sellers, ensuring compliance with essential safety regulations.
The continued vigilance of consumer safety organisations like ESF and Which? remains crucial, holding these digital giants accountable for the products they facilitate.