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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: Edward Brian Fallon

Posted: 02 April 2025

UPDATES: A tribute to Edward Brian Fallon, whose lifelong commitment to public service and steadfast support for Trading Standards left a lasting impact on consumer protection in Scotland.
 

'Significant' illicit tobacco haul

Posted: 03 March 2025

UPDATES: A major illicit tobacco seizure carried out under Operation CeCe demonstrates the continuing impact of coordinated enforcement against illegal tobacco sales and organised criminal activity.

Analysis: Winter is Coming

Posted: 13 January 2025

ANALYSIS: Scotland’s ambitious Heat in Buildings Strategy aims to cut carbon emissions and make homes more energy-efficient - but experts warn the sector is unprepared. Rogue traders, confusing incentives, and poorly installed products could leave consumers out of pocket and homes at risk. Read how Trading Standards is pushing for safeguards to make green heating safe, effective, and trustworthy ...

 

Analysis: Winter is coming

Posted: 13 January 2025

ANALYSIS: Scotland’s drive to decarbonise homes could reshape consumer protection as profoundly as it reshapes housing. With EPC confusion, unqualified traders, green finance risks and spray foam scandals already causing concern, Trading Standards voices warn that ambition must be matched by public education, robust accreditation and enough enforcement capacity to keep consumers safe.
 

Sniffer dog Boo scares illicit sellers

Posted: 06 December 2024

UPDATES: Specialist detection dog Boo continues to play a valuable role in uncovering illicit tobacco, demonstrating how innovative enforcement techniques are helping disrupt the illegal market.
 

Loan sharks on social media warning

Posted: 20 November 2024

UPDATES: Scotland’s illegal money lending watchdog is warning that loan sharks are using social media to target people under financial pressure, as Christmas costs and the wider cost-of-living crisis leave vulnerable borrowers exposed.
 

Firework safety in the spotlight

Posted: 30 October 2024

UPDATES: South Lanarkshire Trading Standards is checking all 34 registered firework sellers through covert test purchases, reinforcing Scotland’s rules on underage sales, legal selling hours and restricted seasonal sales periods.
 

Scam Van takes to the road again

Posted: 30 September 2024

UPDATES: Scottish Borders Trading Standards is taking its Scam Van to Eyemouth, Kelso, Galashiels and Hawick, giving residents practical guidance and community resources to help them spot and avoid scams.
 

Turn Down Energy Scams, says TSS

Posted: 17 September 2024

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) has launched a campaign to help consumers avoid domestic energy-efficiency scams, including the mis-selling of spray foam loft insulation, as the winter months approach. The focus of the ‘Turn Down Energy Scams’ campaign is on pointing...
 

Enforcement Order for car dealer

Posted: 10 September 2024

UPDATES: Airdrie Sheriff Court has imposed an Enforcement Order on Cumbernauld Car Sales Ltd after repeated complaints over unroadworthy vehicles, false information and failures to provide redress.
 

Deadly additive found in fake vodka

Posted: 04 September 2024

UPDATES: Food Standards Scotland and North Lanarkshire Trading Standards have warned consumers not to drink counterfeit Glen’s vodka after testing found isopropyl, a dangerous chemical that can cause poisoning, coma or death.
 

EV charging costs 'too high' in Scotland

Posted: 12 August 2024

UPDATES: Consumer Scotland has warned that high public charging costs, limited home-charging access and unreliable infrastructure risk undermining the switch to electric vehicles, particularly for motorists unable to charge at home.
 

Consumer Scotland eyes green sector

Posted: 24 July 2024

UPDATES: Consumer Scotland has begun a wide-ranging review of the domestic energy-efficiency market, seeking evidence of misleading practices, weak consumer protections and barriers to confidence as millions of homes prepare for the transition to cleaner heating.
 

Highland cattle scam site warning

Posted: 22 July 2024

UPDATES: Fraudsters posing as Highland cattle sellers used the address of a country park to lure buyers into a sophisticated online scam. Trading Standards acted quickly to expose the deception and shut down a website already linked to previous livestock and puppy frauds.
 

'Scam Van' offers advice to residents

Posted: 22 May 2024

UPDATES: Scottish Borders Trading Standards' Scam Van is taking fraud prevention advice directly into communities, helping residents recognise common scams and access practical support.
 

Shopkeeper banned from selling vapes

Posted: 17 May 2024

UPDATES: A Highland shopkeeper has been prohibited from selling vaping products after repeated underage sales, demonstrating how restriction orders are being used to tackle persistent offenders.
 

Illicit tobacco seized from street seller

Posted: 08 April 2024

UPDATES: A street seller caught supplying illicit tobacco outside a supermarket has been prosecuted after Trading Standards linked him to illegal products that undercut legitimate retailers and posed risks to consumers.
 

Scottish consumers hit by unfair pricing

Posted: 25 March 2024

UPDATES: A nationwide Scottish Trading Standards project found widespread pricing inaccuracies and missing unit prices, revealing how misleading shelf labels and checkout errors continue to cost consumers millions.
 

Consumer Scotland: an eye to the future

Posted: 15 January 2024

ANALYSIS: As Consumer Scotland approaches its third year, its evidence-led work is shaping policy on the cost of living, essential services and the transition to Net Zero, while balancing the competing interests of today's consumers and future generations.
 

Warning to shops that broke law

Posted: 13 November 2023

UPDATES: North Lanarkshire Trading Standards has warned retailers after test purchases revealed repeated illegal sales of cigarettes and vapes to under-18s, prompting fixed penalties, proposed banning orders and further enforcement visits.