Fair Trading

What Fair Trading Covers

Fair trading covers a wide area of consumer protection law such as the

The primary purpose of this type of legislation is to ensure 'truthfulness of trade' thus preventing consumers being misled during contractual negotiations for goods and services.

We aim to ensure that:

  • credit is fairly provided
  • holidays and timeshare accommodation are not misrepresented
  •  prices are correctly displayed and do not mislead
  •  traders do not sell counterfeit goods
  •  steps are taken to end unfair trading practices
  •  terms in consumer contracts are fair
  •  consumers are not subject to unsolicited visits by rogue traders

What the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 covered (still relevant for trade descriptions made prior to 26 May 2008 - see above)

This Act ensures that descriptions applied to goods and services are accurate, and has been used successfully to combat common problems such as car 'clocking' and product counterfeiting. Its scope is very wide and covers descriptions applied in many areas of trade.

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 brought into force on 26th May 2008 cover commercial practices between traders and consumers that are are directly connected with the promotion, sale, or supply of a product (includes both goods and services) to, or from, consumers.  

The commercial practices covered are:

  • acts
  • omissions
  • courses of conduct
  • representations, or commercial communications (including advertising and marketing).

     

    The Regulations apply whether the practices occur before, during or after a commercial transaction (if any) in relation to a product.

    Property Misdescriptions Act 1991

    This Act is designed to regulate those persons in the course of estate agency or property development business who falsely describe or make misleading statements in relation to land. This includes amongst other things descriptions in relation to the condition or location of a property, room sizes, and maintenance charges.

    Consumer Credit Act 1974

    This Act is designed to regulate those businesses or individuals who offer credit facilities to consumers so that there is 'truth in lending' and covers areas such as advertising, loans, and other credit transactions.

    Do you need a consumer credit licence?

    If you are a business offering credit you may need to hold a consumer credit licence, and comply with the laws that cover the provision of credit. Consumer credit licences are issued by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) - visit the OFT website link will open in new windowfor full details.

    Useful link for more details on Fair Trading

    Further information on Fair Trading is available from the Office of Fair Trading link will open in new windowand it is designed with two purposes:

    • to protect consumers and explain their rights
    • to ensure that businesses compete and operate fairly.

    You can find essential information for businesses on how to comply with legislation enforced by us, check advice on consumer issues, and download leaflets and reports at the Trading Standards Central link will open in new window website.

    Full details of UK legislation can be found at The Statute Law Database link will open in new window(SLD) which gives free and easy access for all to UK Statute Law.

    You may also like to visit the following websites for more information:

     



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