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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.


 

Illegal puppy importer arrested

Posted: 29 August 2019

UPDATES: A woman accused of illegally importing puppies has been arrested in Spain after fleeing the UK, paving the way for her return to face court proceedings.
 

Underage knife sales data revealed

Posted: 29 August 2019

UPDATES: Newly released National Trading Standards test purchase figures reveal the scale of illegal underage knife sales, informing efforts to improve retailer compliance and public safety.
 

Fake vehicle stamp fraudster jailed

Posted: 29 August 2019

UPDATES: A Leicester Trading Standards investigation exposed a prolific online seller of counterfeit vehicle service stamps used to falsify service histories. The case highlights the scale of document fraud and the risks it poses to motorists buying used vehicles.
 

Rogue gardeners warning in Scotland

Posted: 27 August 2019

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland and Police Scotland warn householders to be wary of unsolicited gardening offers after criminals used doorstep work as a route to burglary. Practical advice explains how to avoid becoming a victim.
 

Fake fancy dress seller fined

Posted: 20 August 2019

UPDATES: A Brent prosecution over counterfeit children's fancy dress costumes resulted in substantial fines after testing revealed serious flammability and strangulation risks, underlining the safety dangers posed by fake products.
 

Obituary: David Leith Slipper

Posted: 19 August 2019

UPDATES: Colleagues remember David Leith Slipper's distinguished career in trading standards, reflecting on his professional achievements, dedication to public service and the lasting impact he made across the profession.
 

Vigilance urged to combat ASF

Posted: 16 August 2019

UPDATES: A government campaign on African swine fever prompts renewed calls for vigilance as Trading Standards, farmers and food businesses work to prevent the disease entering the UK through imported pork products.
 

Fake saffron sparks investigation

Posted: 12 August 2019

UPDATES: An investigation into adulterated saffron uncovered large quantities of fake spice entering the UK supply chain, demonstrating the value of targeted testing and international cooperation against food fraud.
 

Stubbing out illegal tobacco crime

Posted: 08 August 2019

UPDATES: Enforcement teams across the West Midlands seized millions of illegal cigarettes and large quantities of hand-rolling tobacco, revealing increasingly sophisticated concealment methods used by organised criminals.
 

Hefty fine for false health claims

Posted: 06 August 2019

UPDATES: A Bradford businesswoman was fined after making unlawful health claims for products marketed with promises ranging from weight loss to virus protection, reinforcing the rules governing nutrition and health claims.
 

Financial abuse pair sentenced

Posted: 06 August 2019

UPDATES: The first prosecution brought by the West Yorkshire Financial Abuse Team concluded with custodial sentences, marking a significant milestone in tackling the financial exploitation of vulnerable people.
 

Campaign warns of blind cord danger

Posted: 06 August 2019

UPDATES: Following a tragic child's death, Trading Standards is urging parents to check window blinds comply with safety requirements and to understand the simple measures that can prevent fatal blind cord accidents.
 

Special Report: Scams and the City

Posted: 06 August 2019

ANALYSIS: Cold-calling restrictions on pension products were only the beginning. With investment fraud evolving into cryptocurrencies and other high-risk schemes, this special report examines why trading standards wants tougher protections across the entire investment sector.
 

Enforcement and the environment

Posted: 01 August 2019

ANALYSIS: From illegal waste to plastic pollution and 'fatbergs', environmental harms increasingly intersect with consumer protection. This feature explores where trading standards can influence behaviour, enforcement and sustainability.
 

The policy game-changer

Posted: 01 August 2019

ANALYSIS: Proposed reforms to consumer enforcement could reshape the relationship between national and local trading standards. As government considers new powers and structures, the profession weighs the opportunities alongside the risks.
 

Interview: Danny Ireland

Posted: 01 August 2019

OPINION: CTSI Chief Executive Danny Ireland reflects on moving from banking into trading standards, leading organisational change, developing people and the priorities guiding the Institute's future direction.
 

Trader sentenced over fake electricals

Posted: 25 July 2019

UPDATES: A Warwickshire trader received a suspended prison sentence after counterfeit and electrically unsafe mobile accessories were traced to his online business, leading officers to seize more than 1,300 fake products.
 

Benugo fined for underage sale

Posted: 19 July 2019

UPDATES: Benugo has been fined after selling alcohol to a 15-year-old during a test purchase. The case highlighted failures in licence management as well as the importance of effective staff training and compliance procedures.
 

Illegal tobacco haul seized

Posted: 16 July 2019

UPDATES: Nearly 10,000 illicit cigarettes were seized during a joint Croydon operation involving trading standards, HMRC and specialist detection dogs, uncovering sophisticated concealment methods including an electronically operated false wall.
 

The cost of compliance

Posted: 16 July 2019

ANALYSIS: Businesses investing heavily to meet regulatory requirements can be left at a disadvantage when competitors ignore the rules. This feature examines how inconsistent enforcement undermines compliance and fair competition.