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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.

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Obituary: Simon Keegan

Posted: 26 August 2025

UPDATES: Colleagues across the Trading Standards profession pay tribute to Simon Keegan, whose expertise, generosity and passion for legal metrology left a lasting mark on Northern Ireland and the wider profession. A heartfelt reflection on a respected Officer, mentor and friend.
 

A new platform for Trading Standards

Posted: 26 August 2025

UPDATES: CTSI is bringing Journal of Trading Standards online content into its members' area, creating a single destination for news, policy and professional resources. The move aims to strengthen the value of membership while aligning future content more closely with the profession's priorities.
 

Opinion: from policy to people

Posted: 11 July 2025

OPINION: Effective regulation depends on trust as much as enforcement. This thought-provoking piece argues for culturally aware communication, stronger community engagement and a more people-centred approach to consumer protection.
 

Opinion: One of the good guys

Posted: 23 June 2025

OPINION: Behind the scenes, dedicated individuals help shape the profession. This profile celebrates Brian Stone's long service to the College of Fellows and the quiet influence of those who keep vital institutions running.
 

In Conversation: Martyn James

Posted: 23 June 2025

OPINION: Martyn James reflects on a career spent explaining consumer rights to the public, from financial scandals and media work to the growing threat of AI-enabled fraud. His conversation underlines why clear, memorable advice matters when consumers are overwhelmed, anxious or unsure where to turn.
 

Opinion: My faith and my profession

Posted: 04 June 2025

OPINION: Personal faith and professional duty need not exist in separate worlds. Reflecting on life as a practising Muslim working in Trading Standards, this thoughtful piece explores the shared values of integrity, fairness, service and accountability that underpin both.
 

CPPD Module 28: CCHB

Posted: 28 May 2025

DEVELOPMENT: The Consumer Code for Home Builders explains how independent oversight, clear standards and effective redress help protect homebuyers. This CPPD module examines the Code's requirements, practical operation and the role it plays in raising standards across the sector.
 

Opinion: Staying sharp

Posted: 26 May 2025

OPINION: Reflects on the rapidly changing challenges facing the profession and argues that continuous learning, adaptability and collaboration are essential if Trading Standards is to remain effective.
 

An opportunity for change?

Posted: 26 May 2025

OPINION: English devolution and local government reorganisation could reshape where Trading Standards sits, how it is funded and how quickly local regulators can act. The piece argues that reform offers a chance to rebuild place-based services, strengthen collaboration with other regulators and address practical questions around boundaries, court action, recovered funds and closure powers.
 

Opinion: Let's look outward

Posted: 26 May 2025

OPINION: Argues that stronger partnerships, wider engagement and greater visibility beyond the profession will help Trading Standards demonstrate its value and strengthen its long-term influence.
 

Opinion: Playing the blame game

Posted: 26 May 2025

OPINION: Challenges simplistic narratives around consumer protection failures, examining where responsibility truly lies and why effective regulation depends on shared accountability.
 

IPTV pirates to give back £410,000

Posted: 13 May 2025

UPDATES: Details the outcome of a major investigation into illegal IPTV services, with substantial confiscation orders reinforcing the financial consequences of organised intellectual property crime.
 

Pub chain fined for allergen failings

Posted: 08 May 2025

UPDATES: A prosecution over a serious allergen failure highlights the importance of accurate food information, staff training and robust procedures after a child with a wheat allergy was put at risk.
 

CTSI urges action on animal welfare

Posted: 05 May 2025

UPDATES: Fresh calls for stronger action on animal welfare examine the challenges facing enforcement and the role Trading Standards can play in protecting consumers and responsible businesses.
 

Asda fined for out-of-date food

Posted: 25 April 2025

UPDATES: A successful prosecution serves as a reminder of retailers' responsibilities after expired food was found on sale, reinforcing the importance of effective stock control and compliance.
 

Illicit vapes: Six million seized by TS

Posted: 24 April 2025

UPDATES: Record seizures underline the scale of the illicit vape market, with Trading Standards continuing to target illegal products, organised criminality and the risks posed to consumers.
 

Toy Safety Matters in Milton Keynes

Posted: 23 April 2025

UPDATES: A local initiative shines a spotlight on toy safety, raising awareness of potential hazards and encouraging retailers and consumers to prioritise compliance and child safety.
 

Repeat offender car dealer jailed

Posted: 17 April 2025

UPDATES: Persistent offending ends in a custodial sentence, demonstrating the consequences for traders who repeatedly flout consumer protection law and mislead buyers.
 

Gate company fined over safety failings

Posted: 16 April 2025

UPDATES: A prosecution over unsafe powered gates reinforces the importance of meeting safety obligations and the potentially serious consequences when standards fall short.
 

Oxfordshire TS takes on short measures

Posted: 16 April 2025

UPDATES: Targeted enforcement action tackles short measures, highlighting the value of routine inspections in maintaining fair trading and protecting consumers.