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.

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UPDATES: The Intellectual Property Office has unveiled a new online Intelligence Gateway designed to streamline how suspected IP crime is reported and investigated. Replacing the old PIPCU referral form, the platform brings enforcement bodies, rights holders and police closer together - promising smarter prioritisation, stronger coordination, and a more effective national response to protecting IP rights ...

UPDATES: A new reporting platform from the Intellectual Property Office gives Trading Standards and rights holders a streamlined way to submit intelligence on suspected IP crime. The system is intended to strengthen national coordination and improve the disruption of counterfeit and intellectual property offences.

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UPDATES: The Government has announced a major crackdown on “cowboy” cosmetic procedures, targeting unqualified practitioners and high-risk treatments. New rules will restrict who can carry out procedures such as non-surgical BBLs, tighten oversight of fillers and Botox, and introduce stronger protections for under-18s, following mounting evidence of serious harm ...

UPDATES: The Government plans tougher regulation of cosmetic procedures, restricting higher-risk treatments to appropriately qualified professionals as part of wider efforts to improve patient safety and tackle poor practice.

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UPDATES: Trading Standards teams nationwide are warning parents about a surge in counterfeit “Labubu” dolls flooding shops and online marketplaces. Seized across the UK, the fake toys pose potential choking and chemical risks and often lack safety markings. With prices that seem too good to be true, officials urge shoppers to stay alert and buy only from trusted sellers ...

UPDATES: Counterfeit Labubu dolls are prompting warnings from Trading Standards teams nationwide as the viral toy craze fuels sales of potentially unsafe products that pose risks to children and consumers.

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UPDATES: Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay are set to face tougher legal duties after the Product Regulation and Metrology Act gained Royal Assent. The new law promises stronger powers to tackle unsafe goods sold online, but consumer groups warn its success will hinge on bold follow-up rules to finally rein in dangerous products and hold platforms fully accountable ...

UPDATES: A landmark new law strengthens regulators' powers over unsafe products and places greater responsibility on online marketplaces, marking a significant shift in UK product safety enforcement.

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.

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UPDATES: CTSI is urging urgent regulation of the booming cosmetic IV drip sector after a Channel 4 investigation exposed widespread safety failings. Unsupervised glutathione drips are being offered in salons and online, with users suffering serious health risks. Trading Standards is calling for a licensing scheme and stricter oversight to protect consumers from this unregulated “wild west” of beauty treatments ...

UPDATES: CTSI is urging ministers to regulate intravenous cosmetic treatments after an investigation exposed widespread safety failings, highlighting growing concerns over unregulated aesthetic procedures and consumer harm.

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UPDATES: A builder who took up to £160,000 from homeowners and abandoned jobs mid-project has been jailed for 12 months following a Trading Standards investigation. John Arnold left properties unsafe, supplied false certificates, and caused significant stress to victims - earning a decade-long director ban and sending a stark warning to rogue tradespeople exploiting local residents ...

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ANALYSIS: Local authorities are on the frontline of fighting fraud – but they’re increasingly under cyber-attack themselves. From ransomware and data breaches to AI-powered deepfakes, the threats are growing fast. Why are councils such attractive targets, and what can Trading Standards teams do to protect themselves, their data and the public they serve? ...

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.

UPDATES: A repeat offending builder has received a custodial sentence after leaving homeowners with dangerous, incomplete work, reinforcing the consequences of serious consumer protection breaches.

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.

ANALYSIS: Local authorities and Trading Standards teams are no longer just warning others about cyber threats - they are increasingly targets themselves. Drawing on expert advice and recent data incidents, this piece explains the practical steps councils need to take to protect sensitive information, investigations and frontline services.

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UPDATES: The final day of CTSI’s 2025 Conference in Blackpool wrapped up with energy, inspiration, and forward-looking discussions. Day Three highlighted the profession’s evolving role, from inclusivity and leadership to tackling complex consumer protection challenges. Awards, plenaries, and masterclasses showcased how Trading Standards is shaping the future - empowering officers, protecting communities, and preparing the next generation of practitioners ...

UPDATES: The final day of CTSI Conference 2025 looked firmly to the future, from workforce diversity and professional development to the DMCC Act and Primary Authority. As awards, reflections and a change of Chair brought Blackpool to a close, the message was one of inclusion, renewal and readiness for change.