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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.

 

Warning over bogus insulation scheme

Posted: 26 October 2018

UPDATES: East Sussex Trading Standards warns residents about bogus home insulation callers falsely claiming council backing. Learn how the scam operates, your cancellation rights and the genuine grant scheme available to eligible households.
 

Make Halloween the right kind of scary

Posted: 25 October 2018

ANALYSIS: Halloween should be remembered for fun, not tragedy. Using the Claudia Winkleman costume fire as a stark example, this guide explains the clothing, flame and fireworks risks families should understand before celebrating.
 

How to enjoy a safe Bonfire Night

Posted: 25 October 2018

ANALYSIS: Bonfire Night can be enjoyed safely with the right precautions. From buying CE-marked fireworks to responsible use and storage, this practical guide explains how to reduce the risk of serious injuries.
 

Car dealer fined after TS prosecution

Posted: 12 October 2018

UPDATES: A trader who sold an unroadworthy vehicle with serious mechanical defects has been prosecuted following a Trading Standards investigation, highlighting the consequences of misleading consumers and ignoring vehicle safety obligations.
 

Consumer Harm Report published

Posted: 12 October 2018

UPDATES: A new Consumer Harm Report highlights the scale of detriment prevented by Trading Standards while identifying emerging threats, including social media modelling scams, and the growing challenges facing consumers.
 

Call for law change on hygiene ratings

Posted: 12 October 2018

UPDATES: Calls are growing for mandatory display of food hygiene ratings in England, with campaigners arguing greater transparency would help consumers make informed choices as online takeaway ordering continues to expand.
 

West Yorks targets rogue traders

Posted: 12 October 2018

UPDATES: West Yorkshire Trading Standards is urging residents to reject cold callers as part of renewed action against rogue traders, while promoting practical measures to protect vulnerable people from doorstep crime.
 

UK ECC advice on Primera Air collapse

Posted: 03 October 2018

UPDATES: Following the collapse of Primera Air, the UK European Consumer Centre explains the different options available to affected passengers, including advice for stranded travellers and those with connected travel arrangements.
 

Looking back at LTS Week 2018

Posted: 01 October 2018

ANALYSIS: London Trading Standards Week 2018 tackled major consumer issues through themed campaigns, using real enforcement work on used cars, lettings and other priorities to raise awareness and encourage informed purchasing decisions.
 

Smallholder receives livestock ban

Posted: 28 September 2018

UPDATES: A Dorset smallholder has been prosecuted for serious animal welfare offences, receiving fines and a lengthy ban on keeping poultry and pigs after Trading Standards investigated conditions on the holding.
 

Speaking out on food allergies

Posted: 28 September 2018

ANALYSIS: Research reveals many young people with food allergies lack the confidence to ask about allergens when eating out. The FSA's Easy to ASK campaign encourages businesses and consumers to improve conversations that could prevent life-threatening reactions.
 

Leeds supermarket fined for food fraud

Posted: 28 September 2018

UPDATES: A Leeds supermarket and its director were fined after selling mislabelled lamb mince containing beef and food past its use-by date, reinforcing the importance of food safety and accurate product descriptions.
 

£0.5m knife crime court victory

Posted: 25 September 2018

UPDATES: B&M Retail was ordered to pay more than £490,000 after repeated sales of knives to children during test purchases. The prosecution highlights the consequences of failing to enforce age-restricted sales controls.
 

LTS: Tackling rogue letting agents

Posted: 21 September 2018

UPDATES: London Trading Standards found widespread failures by letting agents to display legally required fees and client money protection information, while enforcement action continues against rogue operators breaching consumer law.
 

CTSI urges firms to choose ADR

Posted: 18 September 2018

UPDATES: CTSI is encouraging businesses to join its Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, arguing that approved codes and alternative dispute resolution strengthen consumer confidence while helping firms resolve disputes without costly litigation.
 

LTS Week highlights car safety

Posted: 14 September 2018

UPDATES: Research by London Trading Standards uncovered recalled, clocked, uninsured and untaxed used cars advertised online, alongside practical advice to help consumers avoid unsafe and misrepresented vehicles.
 

Underage sales big challenge in London

Posted: 14 September 2018

ANALYSIS: Test purchasing across London reveals continuing illegal sales of knives, alcohol and tobacco to children, underlining the need for coordinated enforcement with police and retailers to tackle youth harm and knife crime.
 

LTS saves Londoners £2m a year

Posted: 12 September 2018

UPDATES: London Trading Standards highlights how partnership working against doorstep crime and fraud has saved residents around £2 million while protecting vulnerable consumers through rapid intervention, training and community engagement.
 

Fighting fake goods on social media

Posted: 12 September 2018

UPDATES: The Real Deal Online initiative works with social media group administrators and trading standards services to curb counterfeit goods by promoting a voluntary code of practice and stronger online enforcement.
 

CTSI Brexit Think Tank report released

Posted: 05 September 2018

UPDATES: A CTSI Brexit Think Tank report warns that losing European consumer protection networks, alongside declining trading standards resources, could weaken enforcement, business confidence and consumer safeguards after EU withdrawal.