Login
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.
Filtered by tag|Consumer Goods and Services|Clear Filter
Pricing failures hit Scottish consumers
Posted: 23 March 2023
UPDATES: A nationwide Scottish pricing survey uncovered widespread failures in price marking, unit pricing and checkout accuracy, highlighting how seemingly small errors are costing consumers millions during the cost-of-living crisis.
KCC fights back against rogues
Posted: 03 March 2023
UPDATES: Kent County Council is urging residents to stay alert to seasonal rogue traders and cold callers while highlighting its Trading Standards Checked scheme as a way to identify reputable local businesses.
NI TSS reveals coal short measures
Posted: 30 January 2023
UPDATES: An investigation by the Northern Ireland Trading Standards Service (TSS) has revealed that almost one in 10 bags...
KCC TS launches cost-of-living videos
Posted: 19 December 2022
UPDATES: Kent Trading Standards has launched cost-of-living videos offering practical advice to help households and businesses avoid scams and make informed consumer decisions.
CitA launches online safety tips
Posted: 15 November 2022
UPDATES: As festive online shopping gathers pace, Citizens Advice highlights the growing threat of scams and counterfeit goods, offering practical advice to help consumers buy safely.
When is a consumer not a consumer?
Posted: 05 September 2022
OPINION: The language used to describe people as consumers, customers, citizens or patients shapes expectations, rights and public policy. This thought-provoking piece questions whether 'consumer' remains the most appropriate label.
Short-weights hit consumers' pockets
Posted: 24 August 2022
ANALYSIS: A detailed short-weights survey reveals the scale of underfilled products reaching shop shelves, examining inspection findings, their impact on consumers and the enforcement action needed to improve compliance.
Surge in online travel complaints
Posted: 10 August 2022
UPDATES: Complaints about online travel bookings have risen sharply, prompting renewed advice for consumers and enforcement bodies. The article examines the trends behind the increase and the issues most commonly reported.
Consumer expert to chair Code review
Posted: 08 August 2022
UPDATES: A respected consumer protection specialist has been appointed to chair a Code review, bringing extensive regulatory experience to work examining future standards and governance arrangements.
Cost-of-living insights revealed
Posted: 02 August 2022
UPDATES: New insights into the cost-of-living crisis reveal changing consumer pressures and purchasing behaviour, providing valuable context for Trading Standards professionals responding to emerging risks.
New guidance on delivery charges
Posted: 01 August 2022
UPDATES: Business Companion has published a new guide explaining traders' legal responsibilities for consumer deliveries, alongside practical advice on customer service and a self-assessment checklist to help businesses review their delivery practices.
Business Companion launches new guides
Posted: 24 July 2022
UPDATES: New Business Companion guidance helps businesses understand UKCA marking requirements following Brexit, explaining where the new product safety mark applies and how the transition from CE marking affects compliance.
New Commonwealth Games rules
Posted: 21 July 2022
UPDATES: Businesses trading around the Commonwealth Games venues are reminded of temporary restrictions on advertising and street trading, with offences applying in designated areas during the event.
Changes to this year's Hajj bookings
Posted: 05 July 2022
UPDATES: As this year's Hajj pilgrimage approaches, guidance for Trading Standards and consumer protection professionals highlights booking scams, consumer rights and the practical steps businesses and pilgrims should take to reduce the risk of fraud and financial loss.
Cost-of-living pressure points
Posted: 25 June 2022
ANALYSIS: Rising prices, soaring energy bills and wider economic uncertainty are reshaping consumer behaviour and enforcement priorities. This analysis considers the implications of the cost-of-living crisis for trading standards.
Minister is FAS millionth recruit
Posted: 16 June 2022
UPDATES: Friends Against Scams has welcomed its millionth recruit as Consumer Minister Paul Scully becomes a SCAMbassador, highlighting the scheme's growing impact, national reach and success in helping people recognise and report fraud.
Feeling the squeeze
Posted: 07 June 2022
OPINION: Mounting financial pressures are placing consumers under unprecedented strain just as public services face shrinking resources. Protecting the most vulnerable will require sustained investment, realistic expectations and a recognition that demand peaks when times are hardest.
UK Metrology: how NI measures up
Posted: 20 May 2022
UPDATES: Marking World Metrology Day, this explores Northern Ireland's place within the UK's measurement framework, examining current challenges, regulatory developments and the continuing importance of legal metrology to Trading Standards.
New milestone for CCAS
Posted: 11 May 2022
UPDATES: The latest figures from the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme show record levels of consumer spending protected through approved codes, demonstrating continued growth despite the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic.
Green energy guide launched
Posted: 08 March 2022
UPDATES: A new Business Companion guide aims to help green energy installers meet consumer protection duties, understand accreditation and raise standards as net zero policy, public funding and demand for competent low-carbon home improvements accelerate sector growth.
