The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published a product safety report on 20 May 2025 covering two Haier built-in heat pump tumble dryers that present a risk of fire1. The report, notification number 2505-0135, was notified by OPSS and carries a risk level of serious1. The manufacturer has initiated a modification programme1.
The affected models are 31900550 HDB4 H7A2TBERX80 and 31900541 HDBI H7A2TBEX-80, both Haier-branded built-in heat pump tumble dryers, with country of origin given as Turkey1. OPSS states that an internal short circuit can occur within the dryer during normal use, which can cause the appliance to ignite and start a fire, and that the products do not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 20161.
"Owners are strongly advised to STOP USING THE PRODUCT IMMEDIATELY and contact the manufacturer to arrange for a modification to take place."
Owners can establish whether a machine has been modified by checking the rating plate. Appliances that have received the current modification carry a "J7" marking and no further action is required; affected appliances that have not received it are marked "HM1" or carry no marking, and OPSS says these remain affected by the safety risk and should not be used until a modification is completed1. The report directs owners to Haier's product safety notice for information on registering a product for modification1.
| Rating plate marking | Status |
|---|---|
| "J7" | Current modification received; no further action required |
| "HM1" | Not modified; still affected by the safety risk |
| No marking | Not modified; still affected by the safety risk |
The report was updated on 1 August 2025 with a warning to owners of appliances modified before that date, stating that a fire risk still exists and that the products should stop being used immediately1. OPSS issued a Requirement to Warn notice to Haier on 1 August 20251. The report does not give a figure for the number of appliances affected, and no recall of the models has been reported1.
Why it matters for households
A tumble dryer that can ignite during normal use is a fire risk inside the home, and the hazard described applies while the appliance is running rather than only in fault conditions1. The practical point for a household is identifying which version of the machine is in the home: the rating plate marking determines whether the unit is treated as modified or as still carrying the risk1. Because the August update extends the warning to appliances modified before 1 August 2025, a machine that has already been through the programme is not automatically clear of the risk on the face of the notice1. For a home's energy arrangements, a dryer taken out of use removes a load from the household's electrical consumption, and any replacement or repair decision sits with the owner and the manufacturer rather than with the report1. General information on product recalls and safety notices and on heat pump manufacturers supplying UK homes is available, alongside the product standards and markings that apply to appliances placed on the UK market.
What happens next
The report was first published on 20 May 2025 and last updated on 1 August 20251. Owners of appliances modified before 1 August 2025 are advised to stop using them immediately and to contact the manufacturer1. No completion date for the modification programme has been reported1.