Second-hand market gets a new ISO standard to protect consumers!

The second-hand economy is booming with more and more consumers buying used goods. How can we be sure that the second-hand baby crib we buy won’t cause injury or harm? Purchasing used products can bring its share of bad surprises, but a new International Standard helps make sure those hand-me-down treasures are not putting your family in danger.

They say forewarned is forearmed. This is particularly true of the second-hand goods market where an informed consumer will make safer purchases. It is important to be aware of the potential risk of buying used items, and simple precautions apply to ensure you don’t get caught out.

Rae Dulmage, Chair of ISO project committee ISO/PC 245, Cross-border trade of second-hand goods, explains that a few smart questions can help you decide whether a product is worth buying. “What am I going to use it for? How long do I expect it to last? Don’t just take someone’s word for it,” he says, “check under the hood. Most importantly, buy from a reputable dealer who knows what he is selling. And apply the principles of ISO 20245.”