What Trading Standards does
The job of Trading Standards is to protect consumers and traders in East Sussex. To do this we:
- enforce government legislation
- offer advice to businesses and consumers
- deal with around 11,000 customer complaints and trade enquiries each year
- investigate offences
- prosecute offenders when necessary.
Responsibilities of Trading Standards
Some of the areas we are responsible for include:
- advertising and description of goods or services
- estate agents
- credit and loans
- food labelling
- pricing
- hallmarking
- weights and measures
- counterfeit goods
- under-age sales.
Inspections
There are over 15,000 business premises in East Sussex. These include farms, wholesalers, importers and manufacturers and high street businesses (consisting of both national chains and local retailers).
Many businesses might only be visited every five years, although those regarded as high risk (eg food manufacturers) may be visited several times in one year. Further visits may be made when a complaint has been received, and especially if a trader asks us for advice.
Visits allow us to sample and test products, and give traders an opportunity to ask questions and reassure themselves that they are trading fairly.
Policies
The following policies are available to download:
More details about trading standards duties are also available on our page about further information for consumers.
We want your feedback
Your feedback will help to improve the service we provide for businesses.
Contact details
East Sussex Trading Standards holds the Investor in People Award and the Quality Mark of the Community Legal Services Commission. The service is also independently accredited by the British Standards Institute to the International Quality Standard BS EN ISO 9001.
