Scarlett, the Moscow based importer, and STRIX have entered into a joint marketing agreement to advertise and explain the benefits of using genuine STRIX safety components.

The situation in Russia is that the local manufacturers conform to the safety standards required, only to be undersold by cheap imports of electric kettles made in China.

Enforcement of safety standards can be problematic due to the high proportion of kettles sold through small retail outlets, although recent changes to technical regulations and standards invoked 1st July 2003 will support the process going forward.

In the meantime, Consumer Safety is in the hands of Consumer Organisations, responsible importers and traders, and the over worked Government Trade Inspection.