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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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CMA chief talks 2020 plans

Posted: 03 March 2020

ANALYSIS: CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli sets out the regulator’s priorities for 2020, including stronger consumer protection, digital markets, competition enforcement and closer work with trading standards.
 

Campaign warns of vape battery risks

Posted: 17 February 2020

ANALYSIS: OPSS and CTSI have launched a vape battery safety campaign after fires and injuries linked to e-cigarette batteries, warning users about faulty products, poor charging practices and unsafe storage.
 

In conversation: Tim Gass

Posted: 21 January 2020

ANALYSIS: Complying with trading standards at an organisation that acquires, produces and distributes an enormous variety of consumer products is a huge challenge, and not one that can be constantly met. The evidence certainly sup...
 

The dark side of pearly whites

Posted: 21 January 2020

ANALYSIS: Between 2016 and last year, the General Dental Council recorded more than 2,100 complaints about tooth whitening conducted by unregistered practitioners, which led to 78 prosecutions in the UK alone. The damage caused by...
 

Safeguarding the future

Posted: 08 January 2020

ANALYSIS: High-profile tragedies have pushed product safety up the consumer agenda, prompting closer attention to children’s products, accident prevention, OPSS priorities and the role of trading standards enforcement.
 

Knife sales: the sharp end

Posted: 07 January 2020

ANALYSIS: Rising knife crime has intensified scrutiny of age-restricted sales. This feature examines the changing legal framework, the challenges facing retailers and enforcement officers, and what the Offensive Weapons Act means in practice.
 

At Christmas, all that glitters is not gold...

Posted: 20 December 2019

ANALYSIS: Hallmarking protects consumers only when retailers comply with the law. A Scottish enforcement project uncovered widespread failures to display Dealers' Notices and identified improperly marked jewellery, highlighting the continuing need for vigilance.
 

Keeping an eye on Christmas safety

Posted: 18 December 2019

ANALYSIS: Cheap festive bargains can carry hidden risks. As Christmas spending rises, this article explains how unsafe lights, decorations and seasonal products reach the market, and offers practical advice for safer shopping.
 

Interview: Dr Tim Day

Posted: 17 December 2019

ANALYSIS: Dr Tim Day reflects on his career tackling rogue traders and doorstep crime, discussing what motivates his work, the impact on victims and why stronger deterrents and better enforcement remain essential.
 

Interview: Graham Russell

Posted: 27 November 2019

ANALYSIS: Graham Russell reflects on the UK's evolving product safety system, the challenges created by new technologies and complex supply chains, and the role of regulation in protecting consumers while supporting innovation and business.
 

AI versus the fraudsters

Posted: 08 October 2019

ANALYSIS: Artificial intelligence is becoming a powerful weapon against fraud. This feature examines emerging AI tools, collaborative research and how the technology can help investigators detect and disrupt increasingly sophisticated scams.
 

Not good enough to be true

Posted: 18 September 2019

ANALYSIS: The dangers of counterfeit and unlicensed cosmetic products extend far beyond unqualified practitioners. This analysis explores the illicit supply chain, consumer risks and enforcement challenges.
 

Special Report: Scams and the City

Posted: 06 August 2019

ANALYSIS: Cold-calling restrictions on pension products were only the beginning. With investment fraud evolving into cryptocurrencies and other high-risk schemes, this special report examines why trading standards wants tougher protections across the entire investment sector.
 

Enforcement and the environment

Posted: 01 August 2019

ANALYSIS: From illegal waste to plastic pollution and 'fatbergs', environmental harms increasingly intersect with consumer protection. This feature explores where trading standards can influence behaviour, enforcement and sustainability.
 

The policy game-changer

Posted: 01 August 2019

ANALYSIS: Proposed reforms to consumer enforcement could reshape the relationship between national and local trading standards. As government considers new powers and structures, the profession weighs the opportunities alongside the risks.
 

The cost of compliance

Posted: 16 July 2019

ANALYSIS: Businesses investing heavily to meet regulatory requirements can be left at a disadvantage when competitors ignore the rules. This feature examines how inconsistent enforcement undermines compliance and fair competition.
 

CCAS report shows achievements

Posted: 27 June 2019

ANALYSIS: The latest CCAS annual report highlights how approved consumer codes continue to strengthen consumer confidence, reduce detriment and raise standards, while showcasing the scheme's growth, achievements and measurable impact across participating sectors.
 

Global damage of IP theft revealed

Posted: 06 June 2019

ANALYSIS: New international research exposes the vast economic and criminal impact of intellectual property theft, showing how counterfeit goods and piracy fuel organised crime while placing businesses, consumers and governments under growing pressure.
 

Thousands use UK ECC despite Brexit

Posted: 28 May 2019

ANALYSIS: More than 15,000 consumers sought help from the UK European Consumer Centre during 2018 despite Brexit uncertainty. The figures underline continuing demand for cross-border consumer advice while the service's future evolves.
 

New ADR resources launched

Posted: 16 May 2019

ANALYSIS: Business Companion has launched new resources on alternative dispute resolution, explaining how ADR can help businesses and consumers resolve disputes faster, more cheaply and with less risk than court action.