Inspections and enforcement

As well as providing advice, we monitor and enforce Trading Standards at local businesses by:

  • carrying out announced and unannounced inspections
  • undertaking sector or product-specific projects based on intelligence and risk
  • investigating complaints 
  • test purchasing goods and services
  • carrying out other market surveillance activities (such as internet-based checks)
  • non-compliance can result in formal action being taken, including prosecution or the issuing of financial penalties

We have regard to the regulators' code and aim to adopt a positive and proactive approach towards ensuring compliance.

We believe our close partnership with local businesses results in:

  • better consumer and business protection
  • transparency about what's required and by when
  • fair and consistent regulation
  • action proportionate to the risks identified

We'll endeavour to help or direct you to advice on any of the areas we regulate, including:

  • fair trading
  • price marking
  • product safety
  • property agents and tenant fees
  • tobacco control
  • weights and measures
  • age-restricted products and age verification

You can also download our business advice guides.

Page last updated: 16 May 2023

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