Consumers are advised to buy chargers only from official sellers or trusted brands such as Apple, Belkin, Anker, and Samsung, even at higher prices, due to safety risks posed by cheaper alternatives.

Authorities and safety advocates urged stronger online marketplace regulation and enforcement, advocating use of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act to assign legal responsibility to marketplaces.

Which? is campaigning for stricter online marketplace accountability and new laws under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act to ensure product safety across third-party sellers.

Two unbranded chargers found on eBay posed fire, explosion, and electrocution risks, while a £6.99 USB-C charger sold on Amazon Haul failed safety tests and presented shock and fire hazards.

Examples included a counterfeit Apple USB-C 35W Power Adaptor advertised for £11.99 that arced within seconds and contained modelling clay to appear heavier, with a similar charger spotted in a Debenhams listing.

All 15 chargers lacked essential safety information on packaging, the device, or documentation, making them potentially non-compliant with UK sale requirements.

Comments from Sue Davies of Which? and Lesley Rudd of Electrical Safety First emphasized ongoing counterfeit charger risks and the necessity for robust enforcement and penalties.

Retailers said they removed the questionable listings and prioritized customer safety.

Electrical Safety First warned that counterfeiting is a profit-driven risk that undermines safety and called for robust enforcement and penalties for marketplaces.

Online platforms, including Amazon and B&Q Marketplace, asserted safety commitments, removal of dangerous items, and ongoing monitoring and recalls.

Several brands and listings were removed by retailers after the findings, with every retailer stressing a safety-first approach.

Which? highlighted the need for stronger online marketplace regulation to hold platforms legally responsible for unsafe third-party-seller products.