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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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How 'copycat brands' walk the line

Posted: 07 January 2021

ANALYSIS: Lookalike packaging continues to test the boundaries between competition and consumer confusion. This analysis explores how copycat brands influence purchasing decisions and the legal and regulatory issues they raise.
 

The dangers of disloyalty

Posted: 07 January 2021

OPINION: A personal reflection on consumer loyalty argues that businesses earn lasting trust through consistent standards, while poor service and complacency can quickly undermine even long-established customer relationships.
 

Vaccine scam message emerges

Posted: 06 January 2021

UPDATES: Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 vaccination programme with convincing fake NHS messages that harvest personal and banking details. Consumers are urged to recognise the warning signs and stay vigilant.
 

CTSI Chief: Stay safe, be optimistic

Posted: 23 December 2020

UPDATES: CTSI Executive Director Paul Ramsden reflects on an exceptionally challenging year, encouraging members to remain resilient, stay safe and look ahead despite the continuing uncertainties of the pandemic and EU Exit.
 

Rail and coach refunds announced

Posted: 21 December 2020

UPDATES: The government has announced that it will provide cash refunds for domestic rail and coach tickets purchased for journeys between December 2
 

CMA launches refund investigation

Posted: 16 December 2020

UPDATES: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into whether airlines have breached consumer rights by failing to
 

CTSI publishes new EU Exit report

Posted: 14 December 2020

UPDATES: Big rises in online consumer spending, a surge in consumer support requests and ongoing spending cuts are highlighted in an updated trading
 

Our next CEO must love the word ‘no’

Posted: 14 December 2020

OPINION: The next CTSI chief executive must be willing to challenge government, reject easy compromises and rebuild the profession’s influence after austerity, Brexit and COVID-19 exposed the need for stronger leadership.
 

Voices from the Front Line

Posted: 10 December 2020

OPINION: Frontline trading standards professionals describe how COVID-19 changed workloads, priorities and enforcement pressures, revealing the strain on small teams as they adapted services during a national crisis.
 

Christmas toy safety campaign launches

Posted: 07 December 2020

UPDATES: CTSI and OPSS are urging Christmas shoppers to beware of counterfeit and unsafe toys online, as pandemic-driven internet shopping increases the risk of children receiving products that fail safety standards.
 

Obituary: Frank Netherwood

Posted: 26 November 2020

UPDATES: Frank Netherwood sadly passed away on November 16, 2020, in a care home at Warrington
 

Surge in fakes sold on social media

Posted: 26 November 2020

UPDATES: Anti-counterfeiting experts warn shoppers to be alert to fake goods promoted across social media during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, explaining the scale of the problem and how consumers can avoid costly scams.
 

Operation CAROL tackles fakes

Posted: 26 November 2020

UPDATES: Operation CAROL targets counterfeit goods sold through social media as festive shopping shifts online, highlighting coordinated action to protect consumers and disrupt criminal sellers.
 

Brexit a factor for UK online shoppers

Posted: 26 November 2020

UPDATES: Brexit uncertainty and pandemic-driven online shopping combine to create new risks for consumers buying from EU retailers ahead of Black Friday, with advice on avoiding unexpected costs and problems.
 

Delivering ‘gold standard’ service

Posted: 15 November 2020

OPINION: A personal reflection on professional standards, public service and leadership argues that delivering a consistently high-quality Trading Standards service depends on commitment, integrity and continual improvement.
 

Online shopping complaints surge

Posted: 15 November 2020

UPDATES: Complaints about online purchases have surged alongside lockdown shopping. The figures reveal changing consumer behaviour and underline the importance of knowing your rights when things go wrong.
 

New HMRC scam targets public

Posted: 11 November 2020

UPDATES: CTSI warns of a telephone scam in which fraudsters impersonate HMRC and exploit COVID-19 tax changes to demand money, explaining how to recognise and report the fraud.
 

CTSI warns on scheme deadline

Posted: 11 November 2020

UPDATES: Concerns are raised that the Green Homes Grant Scheme's tight timescales could create opportunities for rogue traders and fraud, with advice for householders considering the scheme.
 

Obituary: John Rees Albert Knight

Posted: 08 November 2020

UPDATES: A tribute to John Rees Albert Knight, whose long career across South Wales trading standards combined professional integrity with kindness, mentorship and public service, leaving a lasting legacy among colleagues who knew and worked alongside him.
 

CTSI sets up equality initiative

Posted: 04 November 2020

ANALYSIS: Prompted by renewed focus on racial equality following the death of George Floyd, CTSI explains why it has created its Race and Equalities Working Group, its objectives, and how it aims to drive lasting change across the Institute and profession.