Take-to-seller checklist

Child car seat

If you still decide to look at a seat — for example one with a known history from a close relative — take this list to the meeting. Ticking every box is not a safety approval and does not make a used seat “as good as new”.

Look for UNECE R129 (i-Size) or ECE R44/04 on the orange approval label. R44/03 and earlier are not approved for use.

This viewing

Fill in what you know from the listing, then print or keep this page open on your phone.

SellerWhere listedMeeting placeDateAsking priceBrandModelStandard mark / approval no.

Before you leave the house

Must passI have searched official records on GOV.UK Product Recalls for this brand and modelSearch the OPSS list of product safety alerts, reports and recalls. A clear search is not a guarantee — spellings and model codes vary.
CheckI can get the original instructions (paper copy or a download from the maker)OPSS advises checking that instructions come with the product or are available online, especially for mechanical items.
CheckI have checked that this model is listed as fitting my car (ISOFIX or seat-belt route)

Ask the seller

Must passThe seller can tell me who used the seat and whether it has ever been in a collision — including a minor shuntIf the history is vague, OPSS advice is not to buy. Hidden damage is the reason official guidance says no.
Must passThe seller says the seat has never been in a crash or a sudden stop that damaged the car
Must passNo repairs, glue, extra padding, after-market covers or replacement harness partsOPSS asks you to confirm that nobody has modified the product to extend its life or change how it works.

Hands-on at the meeting

Must passThe orange label shows UNECE R129 (i-Size) or ECE R44/04 — not R44/03 or older
Must passThe seat is within the maker’s “do not use after” / date-of-manufacture windowFind the date stamp on the shell. Many seats are withdrawn after about six to ten years; follow the maker, not a rule of thumb.
Must passThe plastic shell has no cracks, stress whitening, repairs or missing chunks
Must passHarness webbing is not frayed, stretched, faded or chewed; stitching is intact
Must passThe buckle clicks in firmly and releases without a fight
CheckEvery original part is present: insert, crotch pad, ISOFIX guides, support leg or belt lock-offs as the model needs
Write downI have written down brand, model, approval number, date of manufacture and expiry

Walk away if

The seller cannot give a clear crash history.
Official records on GOV.UK list a recall or safety alert for this model.
There is no approval label, or it shows R44/03 or earlier.
The seat is past the maker’s expiry date.
You can see cracks, a sticky buckle, a frayed harness, or any repair.

This viewing

Before you leave the house

Ask the seller

Hands-on at the meeting

Walk away if

Notes at the meeting