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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.

 

Project puts letting agents in spotlight

Posted: 14 July 2022

UPDATES: Trading Standards teams across the West Midlands are joining forces with the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agents Team to check compliance by letting agents. The project focuses on deposit protection, client money protection and other legal duties, with substantial financial penalties available for breaches.
 

Business fined for unlicensed drugs

Posted: 13 July 2022

UPDATES: A joint investigation uncovered thousands of unlicensed erectile tablets and counterfeit goods at a West London business, leading to substantial fines for the company and its director. The case highlights the risks posed by illicit medicines and the value of multi-agency enforcement.
 

The impact of Trading Standards

Posted: 06 July 2022

OPINION: Consumer confidence depends on effective enforcement, argues this commentary, which links rising levels of consumer detriment with the essential role Trading Standards plays in protecting legitimate businesses, supporting economic growth and maintaining trust in the marketplace.
 

The CoF's supporting role

Posted: 06 July 2022

ANALYSIS: The CTSI College of Fellows provides emergency welfare support, education grants, research funding and professional expertise to members and their families. This feature explores how the charity is helping the profession through financial assistance, career development and a growing network of support.
 

Sniffer dog uncovers illegal cigarettes

Posted: 05 July 2022

UPDATES: A routine inspection in Brent led to the discovery of illegal cigarettes hidden on retail premises after a trained sniffer dog was deployed, resulting in prosecution, substantial fines and a reminder of the continuing fight against illicit tobacco.
 

Farmer guilty of breaking TB rules

Posted: 05 July 2022

UPDATES: A prosecution by Oxfordshire Trading Standards over repeated breaches of bovine tuberculosis controls and livestock traceability highlights the legal responsibilities placed on animal keepers and the consequences of failing to comply.
 

Changes to this year's Hajj bookings

Posted: 05 July 2022

UPDATES: As this year's Hajj pilgrimage approaches, guidance for Trading Standards and consumer protection professionals highlights booking scams, consumer rights and the practical steps businesses and pilgrims should take to reduce the risk of fraud and financial loss.
 

Retailer fined for underage vodka sales

Posted: 03 July 2022

UPDATES: A retailer is prosecuted after repeatedly selling alcohol to children during test purchase operations. The case examines the investigation, court outcome and the wider importance of age-restricted sales enforcement.
 

Shopkeeper fined for illicit tobacco stash

Posted: 28 June 2022

UPDATES: An Oldham shopkeeper is convicted after Trading Standards uncover illicit tobacco during an investigation. The article outlines the offences, penalties imposed and the continuing effort to disrupt the illegal tobacco market.
 

Look for the ‘ubuntu’ in you

Posted: 27 June 2022

OPINION: Drawing on the African concept of ubuntu, this reflective piece considers compassion, shared responsibility and leadership, encouraging Trading Standards professionals to recognise how individual actions shape colleagues, communities and the wider profession.
 

Family recognised for allergen work

Posted: 27 June 2022

UPDATES: The family of Megan Lee receive recognition for their work to improve allergen awareness following her death. The article reflects on their campaigning achievements and the lasting influence they have had on food safety and consumer protection.
 

Agents of change

Posted: 25 June 2022

ANALYSIS: Efforts to improve transparency in the property market are encouraging estate and letting agents to publish material information earlier in the sales process, reducing failed transactions and giving consumers greater confidence.
 

Cost-of-living pressure points

Posted: 25 June 2022

ANALYSIS: Rising prices, soaring energy bills and wider economic uncertainty are reshaping consumer behaviour and enforcement priorities. This analysis considers the implications of the cost-of-living crisis for trading standards.
 

CTSI Conference 2022: A retrospective

Posted: 24 June 2022

UPDATES: Highlights from the 2022 CTSI Conference in Bristol, where trading standards professionals shared expertise, explored emerging challenges and reflected on the key themes shaping consumer protection.
 

Hiding in plain sight

Posted: 24 June 2022

ANALYSIS: Operation CeCe has strengthened the fight against illicit tobacco through new funding and closer partnership working, but frontline officers argue that limited resources, inconsistent intelligence sharing and inadequate follow-up continue to hamper efforts against organised criminal networks.
 

ACG Awards winners announced

Posted: 20 June 2022

UPDATES: Enforcement professionals from Border Force, Trading Standards, police and industry have been recognised at the 2022 ACG Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in protecting intellectual property rights and tackling counterfeiting across the UK.
 

Minister is FAS millionth recruit

Posted: 16 June 2022

UPDATES: Friends Against Scams has welcomed its millionth recruit as Consumer Minister Paul Scully becomes a SCAMbassador, highlighting the scheme's growing impact, national reach and success in helping people recognise and report fraud.
 

‘Proper enforcement’ needed on tobacco

Posted: 10 June 2022

UPDATES: CTSI has welcomed the Khan Review's ambitious proposals to reduce smoking, while stressing that stronger enforcement, adequate funding and clear arrangements for Trading Standards will be essential if tougher tobacco controls are to succeed.
 

CTSI Conference 2022 preview

Posted: 08 June 2022

UPDATES: From keynote sessions and masterclasses to networking, exhibitions and specialist workshops, this preview outlines what delegates can expect from the 2022 CTSI Conference in Bristol and why this year's programme promises broad professional value.
 

MPs sign button battery pledge

Posted: 08 June 2022

UPDATES: MPs, safety campaigners and industry representatives have signed a pledge to improve button battery safety, backing greater awareness, stronger product protections and coordinated action to prevent further child injuries and fatalities.