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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.

 

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.
 

Consumer protection is not a luxury

Posted: 09 May 2022

SPONSORED: Consumer protection applies as much to diamonds as to everyday essentials. This piece argues that product confidence, accurate descriptions and effective enforcement remain vital even in markets often seen as luxury purchases.
 

Shut out Scammers, TSS urges

Posted: 08 May 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland is urging consumers to stay alert as fraudsters adapt their tactics during the cost-of-living crisis, highlighting the latest scams and practical steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
 

'POA' property listings unlawful

Posted: 08 May 2022

UPDATES: National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team says using 'price on application' in property listings is likely to breach consumer protection law by withholding material pricing information from buyers.
 

Illicit tobacco sellers prosecuted

Posted: 08 May 2022

UPDATES: A husband and wife have been prosecuted after trading standards officers uncovered counterfeit tobacco, dangerous goods and other offences, demonstrating the continued focus on disrupting the illicit tobacco trade.
 

COVID-19 test fraudster prosecuted

Posted: 28 April 2022

UPDATES: A fraudster who offered fake COVID-19 testing services during the pandemic has been prosecuted after deceiving members of the public with bogus home testing and false laboratory claims.
 

Consumer protection reforms welcomed

Posted: 21 April 2022

UPDATES: CTSI welcomes the Government's proposed consumer protection reforms, including tougher action on fake reviews and clearer rules for traders, while warning that stronger safeguards remain essential as consumer risks evolve.
 

UKICC secures Government funding

Posted: 21 April 2022

UPDATES: The UK International Consumer Centre has secured continued Government funding, ensuring ongoing support for UK consumers who encounter problems when buying goods and services from overseas traders.
 

CTSI supports child safety campaign

Posted: 14 April 2022

UPDATES: CTSI has backed a national child safety campaign highlighting the dangers posed by button batteries, magnets and other small household objects, encouraging greater awareness of choking and swallowing hazards.
 

Oxford Street raid nabs £100,000 fakes

Posted: 12 April 2022

UPDATES: Trading standards officers seized more than £100,000 worth of counterfeit goods, illegal vaping products and snus during a major enforcement operation targeting illicit trade on London's Oxford Street.
 

Dangerous goods seller fined £46,500

Posted: 11 April 2022

UPDATES: A retailer has been fined £46,500 after thousands of counterfeit and unsafe products, including vaping liquids, phone accessories, toys and festive lights, were discovered during a lengthy trading standards investigation.
 

Fraudsters jailed for timeshare scam

Posted: 07 April 2022

UPDATES: Two men have been jailed for laundering money generated by a sophisticated cross-border timeshare fraud that targeted hundreds of UK consumers. The investigation traces how advance-fee scams operated, how funds were moved through multiple accounts, and the partnership work that secured convictions.
 

Touchstone Award seeks nominees

Posted: 04 April 2022

UPDATES: Nominations are open for this year's Touchstone Award, celebrating outstanding hallmarking enforcement, education and innovation. The article explains the judging criteria, eligible activities, prizes and how trading standards professionals can submit entries before the closing date.
 

CTSI makes senior appointments

Posted: 01 April 2022

UPDATES: CTSI has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointments of Riyad Islam as Director of Finance and Corporate Services and Duncan Stephenson as Director of Policy and Public Affairs, outlining the experience and priorities both bring to their new roles.
 

North London fraudster sentenced

Posted: 01 April 2022

UPDATES: A rogue builder who exploited a North London homeowner to feed a gambling addiction has received a suspended prison sentence. The case highlights the financial and personal impact on the victim and the investigation that uncovered how tens of thousands of pounds were misused.
 

Fighting the good fight

Posted: 23 March 2022

ANALYSIS: As trading standards faces shrinking resources and expanding responsibilities, leading voices from across the profession examine how its adaptability can remain a strength without diluting professional identity, exploring leadership, resilience, partnership working and the future direction of the service.
 

Islington cowboy builder jailed

Posted: 23 March 2022

UPDATES: An Islington rogue builder who deliberately targeted elderly homeowners has been jailed after defrauding victims of £86,000 through fabricated roofing repairs. The prosecution demonstrates how early intelligence, careful investigation and partnership working exposed a calculated pattern of offending.
 

Interview: Professor Kathy Hamilton

Posted: 22 March 2022

ANALYSIS: Consumer vulnerability is shaped by far more than age or income. Professor Kathy Hamilton discusses transformative consumer research, the social and structural factors that create vulnerability, and how this evidence can help trading standards develop more effective, consumer-centred interventions.
 

Speaking out for consumers

Posted: 22 March 2022

ANALYSIS: Seventy years after its creation, the Consumer Public Interest Network continues to champion the consumer voice in standards development. This feature explores its evolving priorities, the role of volunteer representatives and why meaningful consumer involvement remains central to better standards.