Inspections and enforcement
As well as providing advice, we monitor and enforce Trading Standards at local businesses by:
- carrying out announced and unannounced inspections
- undertaking sector or product-specific projects based on intelligence and risk
- investigating complaints
- test purchasing goods and services
- carrying out other market surveillance activities (such as internet-based checks)
- non-compliance can result in formal action being taken, including prosecution or the issuing of financial penalties
We have regard to the regulators' code and aim to adopt a positive and proactive approach towards ensuring compliance.
We believe our close partnership with local businesses results in:
- better consumer and business protection
- transparency about what's required and by when
- fair and consistent regulation
- action proportionate to the risks identified
We'll endeavour to help or direct you to advice on any of the areas we regulate, including:
- fair trading
- price marking
- product safety
- property agents and tenant fees
- tobacco control
- weights and measures
- age-restricted products and age verification
You can also download our business advice guides.
Page last updated: 16 May 2023