About Trading Standards

We advise on and enforce a range of legislation that cover a number of trading practices including:

Product Safety

New consumer goods – we enforce specific rules that cover product safety in relation to ‘UKCA’ and ‘CE’ marking and general product safety requirements.

Second-hand products – we inspect sellers of second-hand goods such as upholstered furniture, gas and electrical appliances, toys and nursery goods to check that they are safe, even though they have previously been used. We ensure that sellers of these goods are registered with the Trading Standards and we have produced a guide for retailers of second-hand goods to assist sellers in complying with safety requirements.

Age restricted products

We ensure that products such as alcohol, tobacco and fireworks are only sold to persons over the age of 18 years. We have produced a guidance pack for sellers of age restricted products to assist compliance with these rules.

Information about retailers who sell to under age persons can be reported to us in confidence.

Petroleum and explosives safety and licensing

We check that petroleum spirit, fireworks and other explosives are licenced and stored safely.

The Motor Trade

We check vehicle descriptions and roadworthiness.

Rogue Traders

We address issues with rogue traders including cancellation rights and obligations relating to goods or services purchased in the home as well as addressing aggressive practices and misleading claims made traders.

Counterfeiting

Protecting consumers and businesses from illegal copying and breaches of trade marks.

Useful links