Trading Standards support for business
Age restricted products
There are laws that restrict the sale of certain products and services to underage people. Businesses that are found illegally selling or supplying certain age restricted products can be prosecuted. They may also lose their licence to sell alcohol.
Age restricted products include:
- vapes
- cigarettes
- alcohol
- knives
Business Companion provide information on underage sales. ACS have advice on how to prevent underage sales.
Fair trading and Consumer rights
Businesses need to learn about consumer protections, how not to restrict consumer rights and how to trade in a fair and compliant way.
The quick guides have information you need to get started, dependent on:
- what you sell
- where you sell
- how you sell
Product safety
If you manufacture, produce, import or distribute any goods, they must be safe for consumers, homes and animals.
The following products have minimum essential safety requirements that must be adhered to.
- toys
- electrical appliance
- cosmetics
Find out more about product safety advice for businesses on GOV.UK. There is also product safety on Business Companion.
Weights and measures
If you weigh or measure goods to sell to consumers or for trade purposes, the law states that your equipment must be both suitable and accurate.
More information about weights and measures on Business Companion.
Other guidance
Trading Standards cover a vast number of other legislative areas. It is the responsibility of business to ensure they comply.
National Trading Standards and Business Companion provide further information on some of these topics.
Find out about other laws that may apply to your business on Business Companion.
Animal feed business
The Food Standards Agency provides information on how to register and apply for approval as an animal feed business that makes, markets or uses animal feed. Information on starting an animal feed business.