Fair trading
New consumer protection regulations
From May 2008 important new regulations banning unfair trading replaced many existing laws, including much of the Trades Descriptions Act – detailed rules are now replaced with a general ban.
The new regulations describe four broad categories of unfair conduct, with an outright ban on 31 specific practices. They implement the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, so consumer protection laws are the same across the European Union.
Fair trading businesses do not need to change their practice, but we recommend you read the plain English ‘Basic guide for business’ leaflet from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
- Business and consumer rights
- Find out more about returns policies, selling on the net, footwear and textile labelling and other topics relating to consumer rights.
- Fair trading notices
- Guides for a variety of businesses including licensed premises, estate agents, food retailers and suppliers, antiques traders and other retailers.
- Food notices
- Advice for food businesses including information about labelling, weights and measures and allergens.
- Safety
- Includes advice for businesses selling used gas and electrical items, age restricted products and ornamental and novelty goods.
- Animal health and welfare notices
- Information for feed sellers, animal keepers and businesses that deal with the transport and slaughter or animals.
- Weights and measures
- As well as general advice for all businesses, there is information specifically for greengrocers, bakers, butchers and honey packers.
- Other business advice notices
- Variety of advice for businesses including credit brokers, landlords and letting agents and businesses who sell at car boot sales.
- Search the notices and guidance from Trading Standards
- Find business or consumer advice leaflets about all aspects of Trading Standards' business.
