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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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Help for home buyers

Posted: 11 June 2021

ANALYSIS: Gazumping remains a frustrating reality for buyers in England and Wales. This guide examines the legal position, practical safeguards available during a property purchase and the steps buyers can take to reduce the risk.
 

CCAS: A record to be proud of

Posted: 20 April 2021

ANALYSIS: Eight years after its launch, CCAS is presented as a growing route to better consumer protection, stronger business standards and trusted redress, with code sponsors ranging from home builders to motor services and healthcare trades.
 

Sniffing out criminal activity

Posted: 08 April 2021

ANALYSIS: Wagtail's detection dogs have become a powerful asset for trading standards teams, uncovering huge quantities of illicit tobacco, cash and other contraband while highlighting the training, welfare and specialist handling behind successful enforcement work.
 

Evidence gathering for a 'copycat' action

Posted: 03 March 2021

ANALYSIS: Misleading 'copycat' packaging can distort consumer choice even without counterfeiting. Examining the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, this article explores how trading standards can gather evidence to demonstrate mistaken purchases, mistaken attribution and breaches of consumer law.
 

CPRs vs. the Fraud Act

Posted: 05 February 2021

ANALYSIS: Choosing between offences under the Consumer Protection Regulations and the Fraud Act can have significant consequences for investigations, prosecutions and outcomes. This analysis explores the factors that should guide charging decisions.
 

Fur coats and fraudsters

Posted: 02 February 2021

ANALYSIS: A fraud spreading in Germany offers timely lessons for UK enforcement officers. Examining the 'fur coat and gold' scam reveals how confidence tricksters manipulate trust and exploit vulnerable victims.
 

Copycat marketing: a game of clones

Posted: 21 January 2021

ANALYSIS: Copycat marketing sits at the intersection of branding, consumer perception and the law. This feature examines how imitation products mislead consumers and the legal principles used to tackle them.
 

UK ECC: Looking beyond EU Exit

Posted: 08 January 2021

ANALYSIS: As the UK's future relationship with the EU changes, UK ECC considers how its expertise in cross-border consumer protection could evolve, expanding support for consumers beyond its traditional European remit.
 

A wake-up call for equality

Posted: 08 January 2021

ANALYSIS: The killing of George Floyd prompted organisations across the world to confront racism and inequality. This feature reflects on what meaningful action, leadership and lasting cultural change should look like.
 

How 'copycat brands' walk the line

Posted: 07 January 2021

ANALYSIS: Lookalike packaging continues to test the boundaries between competition and consumer confusion. This analysis explores how copycat brands influence purchasing decisions and the legal and regulatory issues they raise.
 

In conversation: Jacqueline Minor

Posted: 16 December 2020

ANALYSIS: As a former European Commission official, Jacqueline Minor is no stranger to the complex and sometimes convoluted processes that have histor
 

CTSI sets up equality initiative

Posted: 04 November 2020

ANALYSIS: Prompted by renewed focus on racial equality following the death of George Floyd, CTSI explains why it has created its Race and Equalities Working Group, its objectives, and how it aims to drive lasting change across the Institute and profession.
 

UK ‘falling behind’ in IP protection

Posted: 03 September 2020

ANALYSIS: Counterfeiting experts argue the UK is struggling to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated intellectual property crime, examining the scale of organised criminal involvement, weaknesses in enforcement and the wider consequences for consumers, legitimate businesses and the economy.
 

Dealing with disruption

Posted: 04 August 2020

ANALYSIS: Online marketplaces, the sharing economy and rapidly changing digital business models are transforming consumer markets faster than regulation can keep pace. Examines the enforcement, legal and policy challenges posed by increasingly disruptive technologies and platforms.
 

Contracts and COVID-19

Posted: 04 August 2020

ANALYSIS: COVID-19 has disrupted countless consumer and business contracts, raising difficult questions over cancellations, refunds, damages and contractual obligations. Explores how established legal principles apply during the pandemic and what rights remain available to both consumers and traders.
 

Getting product recalls right

Posted: 04 August 2020

ANALYSIS: Effective product recalls depend on far more than issuing a notice. Assesses the challenges of tracing unsafe products in an online marketplace, improving consumer engagement and strengthening recall systems to protect the public.
 

Hallmarking makes its mark

Posted: 02 July 2020

ANALYSIS: Discover how hallmarking evolved from a medieval safeguard into a sophisticated consumer protection system, tracing centuries of legislation, enforcement and the enduring fight against fraud in precious metals.
 

COVID-19: Moment of crisis

Posted: 02 July 2020

ANALYSIS: As the pandemic reshaped daily life, fraudsters rapidly adapted their tactics. This feature examines the surge in COVID-19 scams and the challenges facing trading standards officers protecting vulnerable consumers.
 

Trials in the age of COVID-19

Posted: 01 July 2020

ANALYSIS: Courtrooms were forced to adapt almost overnight as COVID-19 disrupted jury trials. This feature explores the practical, legal and procedural implications for the justice system during the pandemic.
 

Away from Westminster

Posted: 30 June 2020

ANALYSIS: A discussion of austerity, COVID-19 and the future of local government funding, considering what the pandemic could mean for already stretched trading standards services.