Unsafe goods including children's scooters with harmful chemicals in the handles and were among hundreds of items seized by Falkirk Council' s trading standards.
Now, the team has been recognised for its work keeping consumers safe from goods coming into the country through the port of Grangemouth.
The team won praise for its work in this area by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) as part of a UK government-led scheme detecting and deterring unsafe imports.
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They were judged runner up in the ‘Alternative Activities for Maritime Ports’ where they worked with a number of other agencies to lead an intelligence-based approach to intercepting faulty goods.
Falkirk's trading standards team conducted background and physical checks on the ground ensuring that the products met relevant safety standards and legislation.
Over a six-week period, 30 containers were targeted and resulted in stopping unsafe items including: 600 adult scooters and 800 child scooters; 3600 telescopic and 300 step ladders; 500 cordless drills and 500 tyre inflators.
Kirstie Crosson, Trading Standards co-ordinator explained: “These products did not meet UK safety standards and were considered unsafe to anyone who potentially used them.
“We seized telescopic and step ladders that would not take their maximum weight and kick scooters, including children's, where the handles contained an excessive amount of chemicals that may harm the health of children, causing possible damage to their reproductive system.”
“We carry out regular inspections in Grangemouth and will continue to work with agencies across the UK to protect consumers."
The intelligence the team gathered at Grangemouth was shared with other partner agencies and Trading Standards teams across the UK allowing them to adopt best practice in dealing with the UK wide issue.
Cllr Stacey Devine, spokesperson for Public Protection said: “Over 95 per cent of the imports targeted by Trading Standards were intended for the Scottish marketplace.”
“The work that Falkirk Council’s Trading Standards team carries out at Grangemouth port is really important for protecting the public and ensuring unsafe goods are detained and destroyed.
“The fact that their contribution has been nationally recognised demonstrates the value of this work.”
The OPSS urges consumers to think carefully about who and where they are buying from before making purchases - especially those bought online that are delivered straight to the customer's door.
They urge shoppers: "If you buy it from a seller based outside the UK there is a chance it may not be manufactured or labelled in accordance with our safety laws."
Customers are urged to look for safety markings, clear instructions and the name and address of the manufacturer. If these are missing, they are advised to be cautious about using the product.
