They tried imposing a load of restrictions on second-hand electrical goods here. Some charity shops and such like were apparently given so much hassle by their local Trading Standards Dept. that they adopted a policy of not selling electrical equipment anymore.
I think there's supposed to be some sort of legal get-out if stuff is sold as a "Collector's item, not for use" or something along those lines. I've not heard anything more about it for several years.
My view is that if somebody tries to sell an item as "perfect working order" then yes, he has a responsibility to make sure it works and is reasonably safe.
If somebody wants to by an item as "untested, can't vouch for its safety," then its his responsibility to have it checked out and the government should mind its own business. We have far too many restrictive laws as it is without adding more. Caveat emptor.
