On Tuesday, 21st October, Andrea Leigh (NEXT Product Legislation Manager) and Mike Roberts (NEXT International Compliance Manager) conducted a session with the apprentices on the latest regulations, legislation, and compliance at NEXT.
The following was covered:
- Safety & Compliance: Products are safe, functional, and fully compliant with all applicable UK, EU, and international legislation.
- Quality and Durability: Products meet stipulated quality guidelines and are fit for their intended use, meeting high expectations.
- Harmful Substances: Products are guaranteed to be free of and/or within permissible limits of harmful substances.
- Responsible Sourcing – Sustainability: Integrating ethical and environmental standards as a quality requirement for NEXT quality assurance and in ensuring NEXT comply with any applicable EPR regulations.
- Discussions regarding dual inspections can take place on the supplier’s side before shipment. This is the ideal time to identify any issues, as the stock can be corrected and returned before being shipped to the UK.
It was a great session for the apprentices, providing them with an overview and understanding of the current legislation and regulations that NEXT must adhere to when manufacturing and selling abroad. For example, the trade legislation ensures that all necessary testing is completed for the intended market. If the stock is destined for the US, it must undergo more stringent testing to comply with US regulations. The same requirement applies to stock sold within the EU. Certain product types, such as toys, electrical items, and sunglasses, must adhere to regulations specific to those categories. Most of these items require a CE mark to confirm compliance.
Lan Leeder, (pictured above with the apprentices) Head of Education at FEL/FTA, commented: “It’s great that the employer and the training provider are working together to deliver a comprehensive training programme that is relevant for the apprentices. The apprentices have gained valuable knowledge from the experts regarding the legislation and regulations when developing a product at NEXT.”