Trading Standards support local, legitimate business and protect residents and visitors from unscrupulous traders by enforcing a wealth of 'fair trading' legislation.

Traders are now under a general duty to trade fairly and certain practices are banned out right. No material information about a product is omitted.

Laws exist to ensure that goods and services are correctly described, and that businesses give out certain information such as their name and address.  In some circumstances specific information about consumer's rights must also be given.  Other businesses must register with the Trading Standards (or other bodies) before trading.

Trading Standards investigate complaints about businesses who are alleged to be in breach of 'fair trading' laws, and monitor trends in complaints (as well as other information) to ensure businesses comply with the law. 

Other 'fair trading' work includes tackling the sale of fake goods and responding to complaints about pressure sales at home.

To help raise standards in the home improvement and motor trade sectors of York's economy, Trading Standards help operate 'trader schemes'.  These schemes are open to traders who are committed to principles of fair, open and honest trading.

For further advice on fair trading laws, and details of the latest news and scams targetted at consumers, please visit the Citizens Advice website or call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06