A total of 48 electric boot warmers from China were detained by Suffolk trading standards officers after being found to pose a risk of electric shock and fire.
The products, featuring unfused, clover-leaf shaped plugs that do not meet UK standards, were destined for sale on eBay.
The devices also lacked essential markings, including the CE or UKCA certification, and were missing manufacturer and importer details.
A spokesman for the Suffolk Trading Standards Imports Team said: “Suffolk Trading Standards Imports Team has detained a consignment of 48 unsafe Boot Warmers because they pose an electric shock and fire risk.
“The plugs not only lacked fuses, but the pins were dangerously close to the edge of the casing, increasing the risk of electric shock when plugging in or unplugging the device.”
The detained products will be destroyed, and eBay listings have already been removed.
Clover-leaf plugs are not permitted in the UK due to their size and design, which fails to protect users from electrical contact.
The absence of a fuse further heightens the risk of fire.
These unsafe warmers come amid wider safety concerns, with a similar product recently caused a house fire in Rochdale.
Consumers are being urged to take care when buying electrical items online.
The spokesman said: “If you have purchased a product that you think may be unsafe, stop using it immediately and report it to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
“Make sure you only buy products from a reputable retailer.
“If buying on an online marketplace such as Amazon or eBay, make sure you check the details of the seller and that they have a UK address. Check the reviews for the product to see what others have said, and remember, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is!”
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