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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Rising costs 'threat to consumers'

Posted: 22 February 2022

UPDATES: CTSI warns that rising energy bills, inflation and post-pandemic pressures could sharply increase consumer vulnerability, creating fertile ground for loan sharks, energy mis-selling and other scams unless the UK strengthens its consumer protection strategy.

CMA targets online rip-offs

Posted: 14 February 2022

UPDATES: The CMA’s Online Rip-off Tip-off campaign aims to help consumers recognise and report hidden charges, subscription traps, fake reviews and pressure-selling tactics as misleading online practices become harder to spot.

Consumerism vs. climate catastrophe

Posted: 31 January 2022

OPINION: Consumer protection should defend fairness and confidence without encouraging a culture of endless consumption. A reflection on COP26, buyer remorse and Alastair Campbell’s awkward Watchdog provocation asks where consumer justice ends and consumerism begins.

The energy to fight climate change

Posted: 13 January 2022

ANALYSIS: Net Zero will transform how consumers heat, insulate and power their homes, creating risks around misleading claims, poor installation, smart meters, heat pumps and domestic energy storage. Trading standards has a vital role in ensuring the transition protects consumers, supports reputable businesses and avoids repeating past green scheme failures.

UKICC sounds alarm on travel contracts

Posted: 15 December 2021

UPDATES: As UK consumers pack their bags for Christmas and New Year get-aways, the UK International Consumer Centre (UKICC) is warning that many people are likely to be unaware of who their travel contract is...

A step in the right direction

Posted: 08 December 2021

OPINION: Membership of an approved consumer code is only the starting point, argues the author, who explains why consistently applying high standards and embracing good customer service is what builds lasting consumer confidence.

CTSI calls time on ‘greenwashing’

Posted: 13 November 2021

UPDATES: CTSI is urging businesses to avoid misleading environmental claims as demand for sustainable products grows. The guidance explains the risks of greenwashing and the importance of accurate marketing.

SCOTSS turns up the heat on peat

Posted: 10 November 2021

UPDATES: A Scottish project is testing the peat content of garden compost to assess compliance with environmental claims and help trading standards officers advise producers and retailers as restrictions on peat use continue to tighten.

UKICC makes new global connections

Posted: 07 October 2021

UPDATES: As UK consumers increasingly buy from traders beyond Europe, UKICC is expanding partnerships with consumer organisations worldwide, giving shoppers greater support with cross-border disputes and strengthening international cooperation.

New consumer vulnerability guide

Posted: 07 October 2021

UPDATES: A new consumer vulnerability guide examines how changing shopping habits, financial hardship and behavioural factors are increasing risks for consumers, with experts calling for better understanding and fairer business practices.

UKICC sees rise in complex cases

Posted: 20 August 2021

UPDATES: Brexit and COVID-19 caused a sharp rise in demand for advice about in-depth consumer problems from the UK International Consumer Centre (UKICC) in the first six months of 2021, it has been revealed. Issues related...

Consumer Service here to stay in 2021

Posted: 11 June 2021

UPDATES: As the UK International Consumer Centre continues supporting shoppers after Brexit, its remit has expanded beyond Europe. The article explains how the service is evolving and what help remains available to consumers buying from overseas.

TSS issues warning on holiday scams

Posted: 13 May 2021

UPDATES: Trading Standards Scotland urges holidaymakers to check UK breaks carefully after fake accommodation listings, scam websites and unsolicited offers left consumers paying for non-existent caravan holidays.

Company fined over unsafe toys

Posted: 21 April 2021

UPDATES: A Thurrock prosecution has led to fines and costs after JL Supplies Ltd and its director admitted importing and supplying unsafe toys that posed choking and asphyxiation risks to children.

London cracks down on rogue agents

Posted: 26 February 2021

UPDATES: A London-wide enforcement campaign is targeting letting agents that fail to protect landlords' and tenants' money through approved client money protection schemes, with hundreds of suspected breaches identified and financial penalties of up to £30,000 available.

Unauthorised pet database warning

Posted: 22 February 2021

UPDATES: CTSI is warning pet owners about an unauthorised microchip registration website that could leave lost animals untraceable on approved databases, highlighting the importance of using recognised services and strengthening checks on online pet registration providers.