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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.
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.
Playing policy whack-a-mole
Posted: 16 July 2019
OPINION: Effective policy work depends on far more than good arguments. Reflecting on CTSI's strengths and frustrations, this column explores the realities of influencing government on behalf of the trading standards profession.
Couple jailed for online course scam
Posted: 12 July 2019
UPDATES: Two people have been jailed following a £225,000 online nutrition course scam uncovered by Norfolk Trading Standards, with a lengthy investigation exposing fraud, forgery and money laundering.
Fraud prevention service wins award
Posted: 11 July 2019
UPDATES: KwikChex receives a CTSI Hero Award in recognition of its sustained work tackling timeshare fraud, supporting trading standards investigations, providing expert evidence and helping consumers targeted by organised scammers.
Hero Award for Thurrock team
Posted: 11 July 2019
UPDATES: Thurrock Trading Standards Ports Team is honoured with a CTSI Hero Award after intercepting more than a third of the UK's unsafe imported products, preventing dangerous goods from reaching consumers.
Whirlpool to issue dryer recall
Posted: 11 July 2019
UPDATES: Whirlpool will launch a full recall of hundreds of thousands of unmodified tumble dryers after OPSS intervention, with affected consumers offered a free replacement, refund or modification.
Shop bosses fined for underage sales
Posted: 09 July 2019
UPDATES: An off-licence licence holder and supervisor are heavily fined after selling alcohol to a 15-year-old and breaching licensing conditions, following a Lambeth Trading Standards test purchase operation.
Restaurant receives allergy ban
Posted: 09 July 2019
UPDATES: Birmingham issues its first emergency prohibition order to stop a restaurant serving customers with food allergies after a diner suffered a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction linked to poor allergen controls.
Button cell batteries: be vigilant
Posted: 09 July 2019
UPDATES: Button cell batteries are found in countless household products but can prove fatal if swallowed. This safety guide explains the risks, warning signs and urgent action parents and carers should take.
