Trading Standards

This covers actions like:

Protecting the rights of consumers for businesses that trade in any goods and services:

  • Age related sales
  • Product quality, descriptions and safety
  • Weights and measures
  • Protecting consumers statutory rights
  • Food Labelling and Compositional Standards including allergens

Being Licensed or Registered with trading standards if you:

  • Sell or store petroleum
  • Sell or store explosives including fireworks
  • Sell second hand goods
  • Manufacture or sell animal feed (other than retailing pet feed)

Quick Checklist

Trading standards can seem complex, but it is important to get it right or face significant problems with regulators and more importantly, increasingly savvy consumers who are aware of their rights!.

  • Take time to understand how trading standards legislation applies to your products or services
  • Ensure the products and services you buy or source meet the right standards
  • Ensure you do not unlawfully use others trademarks or intellectual property
  • Particularly check if you use or rely on others brands
  • If unsure contact the wide range of services below for help and guidance

Links and Contacts:

Much of the information you need in relation to trading standards compliance is available on-line through your Local Authority or County Council. To find your local authority follow this link and input the postcode of your business location (or headquarters in England), Then navigate to trading standards teams.

Generic Trading Standards Advice:

The Chartered Institute of Trading Standards:

Business Companion – guidance on trading standards laws

Citizens Advice Consumer Service:

Need more help with a consumer problem?

KENT or MEDWAY

Phone: 03454 040506

Local Authority Web-Based Trading Standards Advice:

Kent County Council Trading Standards Guidance: 

leaflets on a variety of trading standards issues

Medway Council Trading Standards Guidance:

leaflets on a variety of trading standards issues