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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Falkirk rogue trader jailed for fraud

Posted: 03 October 2023

UPDATES: A Falkirk rogue trader who targeted vulnerable homeowners with unnecessary and substandard driveway work has been jailed for fraud, following an investigation into deceptive doorstep selling practices.

TSS launches home energy campaign

Posted: 17 August 2023

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland's latest campaign warns householders to be wary of misleading energy-efficiency offers, explaining how rogue businesses exploit demand for grants and home improvements while directing consumers towards trusted sources of impartial advice.

SEIC calls for more energy support

Posted: 31 May 2023

UPDATES: A new report from the Scottish Energy Insight and Engagement Group urges stronger support from energy suppliers and Government, setting out practical recommendations to help households facing the continuing cost-of-energy crisis.

Pricing failures hit Scottish consumers

Posted: 23 March 2023

UPDATES: A nationwide Scottish pricing survey uncovered widespread failures in price marking, unit pricing and checkout accuracy, highlighting how seemingly small errors are costing consumers millions during the cost-of-living crisis.

Orkney TS praised for successes

Posted: 17 February 2023

UPDATES: Orkney’s four-person Trading Standards team has been praised after recovering £110,000 for a scam victim, preventing further losses and helping residents secure refunds. The article highlights the value of a small, locally trusted service working across isolated island communities with limited resources.

Falkirk TS praised for recycling scheme

Posted: 10 January 2023

UPDATES: Falkirk Trading Standards' award-winning recycling initiative gives seized counterfeit goods a new purpose, diverting materials to charities and community projects instead of landfill.

TSS serves up A-Z list of scams

Posted: 07 December 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland has published an A-Z guide to the latest scams, helping consumers recognise fraud ranging from phishing emails and bogus websites to cold calls designed to steal personal and financial information.

Unlicensed fireworks seized by TS

Posted: 17 November 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards officers seized a substantial stock of illegally held fireworks after discovering dangerous storage conditions that posed a serious risk to public safety.

New fireworks rules in Scotland

Posted: 03 November 2022

ANALYSIS: Scotland's tightening of fireworks controls introduces restricted sale and use times, lower purchase limits and new offences around proxy buying for under-18s, with further licensing and supply restrictions still expected.

TSS warns of loft insulation scam

Posted: 25 October 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland warns that cold callers offering loft surveys are using misleading claims about damp, mould and grants to sell costly spray foam insulation that can later affect mortgage options.

Fake watch seller to serve time

Posted: 12 October 2022

UPDATES: A Falkirk Trading Standards investigation into counterfeit luxury watches sold online has resulted in a prison sentence, highlighting the continuing fight against intellectual property crime.

Highland TS tackles illicit vapes

Posted: 11 September 2022

UPDATES: Highland Trading Standards has seized more than 3,000 illegal vapes and warned retailers to use reputable suppliers, as officers respond to unsafe products, missing warnings and underage sales concerns.

TSS kicks off cost-of-living campaign

Posted: 01 September 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland has launched a campaign warning households about cost-of-living scams, highlighting the tactics criminals use and the practical steps consumers can take to stay safe.

Short-weights hit consumers' pockets

Posted: 24 August 2022

ANALYSIS: A detailed short-weights survey reveals the scale of underfilled products reaching shop shelves, examining inspection findings, their impact on consumers and the enforcement action needed to improve compliance.

TSS cracks down on lead generator

Posted: 07 June 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland has reported an English lead generation company after concerns over misleading energy efficiency marketing, while urging consumers to seek independent advice before sharing personal details or agreeing to home improvement work.

Shut out Scammers, TSS urges

Posted: 08 May 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland is urging consumers to stay alert as fraudsters adapt their tactics during the cost-of-living crisis, highlighting the latest scams and practical steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Disposable vape products seized

Posted: 22 February 2022

UPDATES: A Scotland-wide trading standards project removed more than 88,000 disposable vaping devices from sale and seized thousands more for breaching legal capacity limits, underlining concerns about youth appeal, product compliance, health risks and environmental harm.