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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.

 

Voices from the Front Line

Posted: 25 August 2022

OPINION: Drawing on frontline experience in property and lettings enforcement, Emma Cooke reflects on the sector's challenges, the impact of recent reforms and the continuing need for effective consumer protection.
 

Trading Standards: A lifelong ally

Posted: 25 August 2022

ANALYSIS: Looking beyond individual cases, this feature examines how Trading Standards quietly protects consumers throughout their lives, preventing harm, supporting fair markets and delivering benefits that often go unnoticed.
 

Interview: Lord Jamie Lindsay

Posted: 25 August 2022

OPINION: Lord Jamie Lindsay discusses his long-standing commitment to consumer protection, the importance of maintaining consumer confidence and the role effective regulation plays in supporting both the economy and public trust.
 

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.
 

Cowboy builder put victims at risk

Posted: 23 August 2022

UPDATES: A rogue builder who left households with dangerous structural defects, exposed wiring and unsafe gas installations has been jailed for 33 months following a Norfolk Trading Standards prosecution. The case illustrates the financial and emotional harm caused by rogue traders.
 

CTSI concerned about vaping & CSE

Posted: 19 August 2022

UPDATES: CTSI has warned of emerging evidence linking underage vaping with child sexual exploitation, with reports that vapes are being used to groom children. The article explores the intelligence behind the warning and its implications for enforcement and safeguarding.
 

KCC TS seizes counterfeit goods

Posted: 18 August 2022

UPDATES: Kent County Council Trading Standards seized a significant haul of counterfeit goods in a coordinated operation, underlining the continuing threat posed by fake products and the importance of disrupting illicit supply chains.
 

Shopkeeper jailed over illicit tobacco

Posted: 17 August 2022

UPDATES: A retailer has been jailed following offences involving illicit tobacco, highlighting the serious consequences of organised illegal tobacco trading and the ongoing efforts to protect legitimate businesses and consumers.
 

Surge in online travel complaints

Posted: 10 August 2022

UPDATES: Complaints about online travel bookings have risen sharply, prompting renewed advice for consumers and enforcement bodies. The article examines the trends behind the increase and the issues most commonly reported.
 

Illegal shisha tobacco seller fined

Posted: 09 August 2022

UPDATES: An illegal shisha tobacco seller has been fined after enforcement action exposed breaches of trading laws. The case reinforces the importance of tackling the illicit tobacco market and protecting public health.
 

London bar broke lockdown rules

Posted: 09 August 2022

UPDATES: A London bar has faced enforcement action after breaching coronavirus restrictions. The report explains the investigation, the offences involved and the wider message for licensed premises.
 

Consumer expert to chair Code review

Posted: 08 August 2022

UPDATES: A respected consumer protection specialist has been appointed to chair a Code review, bringing extensive regulatory experience to work examining future standards and governance arrangements.
 

TS sounds alarm on underage vaping

Posted: 04 August 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards has sounded the alarm over underage vaping, highlighting growing concerns about youth access, retailer compliance and the measures needed to reduce illegal sales.
 

Cost-of-living insights revealed

Posted: 02 August 2022

UPDATES: New insights into the cost-of-living crisis reveal changing consumer pressures and purchasing behaviour, providing valuable context for Trading Standards professionals responding to emerging risks.
 

New guidance on delivery charges

Posted: 01 August 2022

UPDATES: Business Companion has published a new guide explaining traders' legal responsibilities for consumer deliveries, alongside practical advice on customer service and a self-assessment checklist to help businesses review their delivery practices.
 

Fuel cost increase drives pump checks

Posted: 26 July 2022

UPDATES: As fuel prices reach record highs, Trading Standards officers are increasing inspections of petrol pumps to reassure motorists that pricing is accurate and dispensing equipment remains compliant.
 

Business Companion launches new guides

Posted: 24 July 2022

UPDATES: New Business Companion guidance helps businesses understand UKCA marking requirements following Brexit, explaining where the new product safety mark applies and how the transition from CE marking affects compliance.
 

New Commonwealth Games rules

Posted: 21 July 2022

UPDATES: Businesses trading around the Commonwealth Games venues are reminded of temporary restrictions on advertising and street trading, with offences applying in designated areas during the event.
 

Scam victims to be compensated

Posted: 21 July 2022

UPDATES: Victims of a mass mail fraud targeting millions of UK households are set to receive compensation after criminals exploited vulnerable consumers with fake prize draw schemes demanding upfront payments.
 

Rogue landscaper jailed for 18 weeks

Posted: 16 July 2022

UPDATES: A Salford Trading Standards investigation has led to the conviction of a rogue landscaper who took payments for unfinished and substandard work. The case highlights the evidence used to secure multiple fraud and consumer protection offences, resulting in an 18-week prison sentence.