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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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£258,000 illicit tobacco haul

Posted: 26 August 2025

UPDATES: A joint operation between North Northamptonshire Trading Standards and local police has removed illicit tobacco worth an estimated £258,000 from circulation after intelligence led officers to a self-storage unit in Kettering. The case highlights the continuing links between illicit tobacco, organised crime and the vital role community intelligence plays in disrupting criminal activity.
 

Unsafe cosmetics in East Midlands

Posted: 26 August 2025

UPDATES: A coordinated Trading Standards project across the East Midlands uncovered widespread non-compliance in cosmetic products sold by retailers. The findings reinforce the need for continued enforcement and retailer awareness to help protect consumers from products containing banned or potentially harmful ingredients.
 

£386,000 of illicit goods seized

Posted: 26 August 2025

UPDATES: Manchester Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police have removed more than £386,000 worth of illicit tobacco, vapes and counterfeit goods from the city's streets. The operation demonstrates how intelligence-led, multi-agency enforcement can disrupt organised criminality while protecting consumers and legitimate businesses.
 

Norfolk TS uncovers car safety failings

Posted: 26 August 2025

UPDATES: Joint inspections by Norfolk Trading Standards and police uncovered alarming safety failings in used vehicles and part-worn tyres, with many found to be unroadworthy or dangerous. The results underline the importance of robust market surveillance in protecting motorists from potentially life-threatening defects.
 

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.
 

Wine investment scammers guilty

Posted: 22 August 2025

UPDATES: A complex investment fraud that persuaded victims to sink millions into fine wine has ended with the conviction of three fraudsters following a lengthy Trading Standards investigation. The case illustrates the persistence required to tackle sophisticated scams targeting vulnerable consumers.
 

Counterfeit tobacco seller prosecuted

Posted: 21 August 2025

UPDATES: A Barrow shop owner has been prosecuted after counterfeit cigarettes and illicit tobacco were uncovered during a Trading Standards investigation. The case reinforces the message that illegal tobacco sales continue to undermine legitimate retailers while supporting wider criminal activity.
 

Organised criminals hit with TS seizures

Posted: 21 August 2025

UPDATES: A substantial seizure of illicit tobacco in Northumberland has disrupted a suspected organised crime network following intelligence-led action by Trading Standards and police. The operation highlights the continuing importance of partnership working and public intelligence in tackling illegal supply chains.
 

IPO launches new reporting tool

Posted: 18 August 2025

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.
 

Property rental scam hits London

Posted: 14 August 2025

UPDATES: Fraudsters are exploiting London's competitive rental market with convincing fake property listings and bogus tenancy paperwork. Trading Standards is urging prospective tenants to stay alert as reports of the scam continue to mount.
 

Belfast builder fined for incomplete work

Posted: 12 August 2025

UPDATES: A Belfast builder has been fined after taking a substantial deposit for a home extension that was left incomplete. The case highlights the financial and emotional impact rogue traders can have on householders.
 

Firms fined for mis-labelled kebabs

Posted: 12 August 2025

UPDATES: Two food businesses have been prosecuted after Trading Standards testing revealed kebab products contained undeclared meats. The case underlines the importance of accurate food labelling for consumer confidence and allergen safety.
 

Tighter rules on cosmetic procedures

Posted: 07 August 2025

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.
 

Vape seller fined for under-age sale

Posted: 01 August 2025

UPDATES: A Reading vape retailer has been fined after selling an e-cigarette to a 14-year-old during a Trading Standards test purchase. The prosecution reinforces the importance of preventing under-age access to vaping products.
 

Illegal snus found on sale in Oxford shop

Posted: 01 August 2025

UPDATES: An Oxford shop owner has been prosecuted after repeatedly ignoring warnings and continuing to sell illegal snus products. The case demonstrates Trading Standards' ongoing action against banned tobacco products.
 

Lincs TS: record tobacco seizure

Posted: 01 August 2025

UPDATES: Lincolnshire Trading Standards has carried out its largest ever seizure of illegal tobacco and vapes, leading to closure orders for two premises and highlighting the continuing fight against the illicit market.
 

Neath driveway cowboy sentenced

Posted: 01 August 2025

UPDATES: A rogue driveway contractor who deceived householders with poor-quality and unfinished work has been sentenced following a Trading Standards prosecution. The case also secured compensation under proceeds of crime legislation.
 

Rogue glazier given suspended sentence

Posted: 31 July 2025

UPDATES: A man who effectively ran a glazing company while misleading customers about completed work has received a suspended prison sentence. The prosecution illustrates the serious consequences of fraudulent trading practices.
 

Shopkeeper fined for illegal vapes

Posted: 24 July 2025

UPDATES: Thousands of illegal oversized disposable vapes have been seized from an east London shop, resulting in a substantial fine. The prosecution reflects continued enforcement against unlawful vaping products.