Have you ever seen a deviation from BS 7671 hold up in court because the electrician proved an "equivalent level of safety"? I’ve never seen it happen.
This means that the document itself is not a law passed by Parliament. You cannot be prosecuted simply for failing to follow a specific regulation within BS 7671 in the same way you would for breaking a traffic law.
In summary, while BS7671 is not directly statutory, its importance in ensuring electrical safety and compliance with relevant legislation cannot be overstated. Electrical professionals, homeowners, and building managers should prioritize compliance with BS7671 to minimize risks and ensure the safety of people and property.