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Journal of Trading Standards, Online Edition - JoTS Online

Welcome to the Journal of Trading Standards online edition, JoTS Online. Browse through our latest Articles - including Analysis, Opinion Pieces, Features and a selection of articles from our acclaimed print journal.

Although many JoTS Online articles are open access (public), others are exclusive to CTSI Members - in which case, you'll need to login to access them. If you aren't a member of CTSI yet, you can join us here. And, if you'd like to contribute articles or suggest topics for us to cover, please email our Editorial Team.

Latest JoTS Online Articles : 

News Category Tags: Crime, Product Safety, Health and Safety, Counterfeit Goods, Retail, Animal Health and Welfare, Legal and Policy, Enforcement Practice, Product Recalls, Property and Housing, Automotive, Vapes, Business, CTSI Conference, CTSI Hero Awards.

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Consumer heroes named in Honours

Posted: 23 January 2022

UPDATES: Consumer protection figures feature in the 2022 New Year Honours, with recognition for a trading standards officer and RNLI volunteer, an accessibility standards champion, Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis, and senior Local Government Association leaders.
 

We must make the case for TS

Posted: 20 January 2022

OPINION: Trading standards remains in demand during crises, yet declining local capacity and rising consumer detriment have weakened the profession’s ability to prove its wider value. The case for investment must link consumer protection to confident markets, SME growth, levelling up and the wider regulatory ecosystem.
 

The energy to fight climate change

Posted: 13 January 2022

ANALYSIS: Net Zero will transform how consumers heat, insulate and power their homes, creating risks around misleading claims, poor installation, smart meters, heat pumps and domestic energy storage. Trading standards has a vital role in ensuring the transition protects consumers, supports reputable businesses and avoids repeating past green scheme failures.
 

Red flags on greenwashing

Posted: 13 January 2022

OPINION: Green claims are becoming more influential, more complex and more open to abuse, from vague sustainability language to outright scams. Trading standards can help businesses comply and consumers choose with confidence, but the Net Zero agenda will require far greater capacity if greenwashing is to be tackled effectively.
 

Obituary: Steve Lynch

Posted: 11 January 2022

UPDATES: Essex trading standards colleagues remember Steve Lynch, whose 42-year career spanned weights and measures, operational leadership, international regulatory work and major enforcement roles at the Olympics and Tour de France, alongside a warmth and humour that left a lasting mark on those who worked with him.
 

CPPD Module 21: Animal Feed

Posted: 11 January 2022

DEVELOPMENT: Animal feed and animal health controls sit within a demanding regulatory framework shaped by retained EU law, official control requirements and local authority competence. This CPPD module sets out the legal duties, qualification expectations, audit pressures and resource challenges facing officers responsible for protecting the agri-food chain.
 

Touchstone Award success stories

Posted: 06 January 2022

ANALYSIS: The 2021 Touchstone Award highlighted two strong examples of hallmarking enforcement: a Scotland-wide premises and online jewellery project coordinated by SCOTSS, and Hertfordshire’s work with Amazon to improve seller guidance and remove millions of inaccurate gold listings.
 

The Enterprise Act: A political fix

Posted: 06 January 2022

OPINION: A response to criticism of the Enterprise Act argues that consumer protection still depends on making civil enforcement work, rebuilding consumer education and recognising the wider damage caused by weakened market intelligence.
 

In conversation: Yvonne Rees

Posted: 05 January 2022

OPINION: As Chief Executive of both Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, Yvonne Rees is constantly performing a high-stakes balancing act. Responsible for large teams of people and departments across the...
 

CTSI's pandemic puppy warning

Posted: 17 December 2021

UPDATES: Demand for a furry friend rises during the holiday season, and the isolation brought on by pandemic lockdowns and remote working has increased demand throughout the past year. These changes have led to puppy...
 

CTSI appoints new Chairs

Posted: 16 December 2021

UPDATES: CTSI has named Louise Baxter MBE as its new Council Chair and Steve Ruddy as Chair of its Board. Baxter is an expert in consumer protection who has worked in trading standards for almost...
 

UKICC marks 15 year milestone

Posted: 15 December 2021

UPDATES: As the UK International Consumer Centre marks 15 years, a special review looks back at its cross-border consumer work, unusual case history, post-EU Exit challenges and expanding international partnerships.
 

Omicron sparks latest email scam

Posted: 15 December 2021

UPDATES: Members of the public have received an email clad in NHS branding as well as texts calling on them to "apply now for Omicron PCR test to avoid restrictions." The message claims that older...
 

Many SMEs unaware of new import rules

Posted: 15 December 2021

UPDATES: New research suggests many small importers remain unprepared for post-Brexit customs requirements. With full import controls taking effect from January 2022, the findings highlight significant awareness gaps and the practical challenges facing SMEs.
 

A step in the right direction

Posted: 08 December 2021

OPINION: Membership of an approved consumer code is only the starting point, argues the author, who explains why consistently applying high standards and embracing good customer service is what builds lasting consumer confidence.
 

COVID scam targets youngsters

Posted: 02 December 2021

UPDATES: A convincing text message scam exploiting COVID-19 vaccine passes targeted young people with a fake NHS website and payment request, providing a timely reminder of how fraudsters adapt to current events.
 

TS and EH join up to speak out

Posted: 30 November 2021

UPDATES: CTSI and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health joined forces at their Year Ahead Conference to present a shared message on the future of local regulatory services and the challenges facing both professions.
 

Campaign targets Christmas fakes

Posted: 19 November 2021

UPDATES: Operation Monty brings together enforcement agencies and intellectual property organisations to tackle counterfeit goods sold through social media ahead of the Christmas shopping season. The campaign aims to protect consumers from dangerous products while disrupting the criminal networks that profit from online counterfeiting.
 

HMRC warns of Self-Assessment scams

Posted: 18 November 2021

UPDATES: As the Self Assessment deadline approaches, HMRC is warning taxpayers to be alert to a surge in phishing emails, texts and phone calls designed to steal money and personal information. The advice explains how to recognise common scams and report suspicious contact.
 

CTSI: new TAC a 'curate's egg'

Posted: 18 November 2021

ANALYSIS: CTSI welcomes the new Trade and Agriculture Commission but argues it lacks sufficient consumer protection expertise. The Institute sets out why stronger regulatory representation is needed to ensure future trade agreements maintain high standards for consumers and businesses.