Our Responsibilities

The Trading Standards Service has a duty to enforce a wide range of legislation, including 35 primary Acts of Parliament, around 40 supplementary Acts with further responsibility under some civil legislation. In addition there are more than 1000 related Statutory Instruments. All of the legislation relates to commercial activity.
As well as our enforcement responsibilities we provide consumer advice and education, business advice and maintain the Buy with Confidence scheme which is our approved trader Scheme. More information about the Services we provide can be found in the relevant sections.

About Trading Standards:


We are part of Trading Standards South East (TSSE) which is a partnership of 19 Local Authority Trading Standards Services in the South East. It was created to share ideas and expertise in all areas of Trading Standards work. We share resources and work together to achieve greater results, reduce costs and influence the wider community.

Click here to download ‘The Facts’ booklet which gives a brief overview of how the Trading Standards Service operates. (PDF Document)

Legislation enforced by Trading Standards (in alphabetical order):


(Please note that the lists of legislation below are in PDF format and will open a new window).

Agriculture

Animal Health

Civil Law

Company Law

Consumer Credit


Consumer Protection

Copyright

Environment

Estate Agency

European Community

Explosives

Fair Trading

Hallmarking

Health & Safety

Legal Administration

Other

Trade Descriptions

Weights & Measures


We cannot guarantee that all of the legislation contained in the lists above will be in force at the time of viewing. If you require further information/advice about a particular piece of legislation please contact us.



Page last updated on: 02/02/2010