Free, impartial legal guidance for businesses
The basics
Unsure of the law on trading standards or whether the rules apply to you? Find out how the law sees businesses that sell to consumers
Get Started
Concise guidance
Want answers right now? Quick Guides are arranged by what, where and how you sell to help you find the information you need
Quick Guides
Detailed information
Know what you're looking for, or want to browse a list of specific guidance arranged by category? In-depth Guides deliver the detail
In-Depth GuidesBusiness Companion provides information for businesses and individuals that need to know about trading standards and consumer protection legislation
The site delivers guidance by default for England, but if you are trading in Scotland or Wales, you should choose your location using the drop-down list at the top of the page. This is because some laws are different, or are differently enforced, in those countries
The guidance is divided up into 15 broad Quick Guides and each one contains a number of more detailed In-depth Guides.
There may be rules you are not aware of, so make sure you explore the site thoroughly.
If you don't know where to begin, or you're a new business, click Get Started above.
Latest news
New website provides one-stop shop for postal surcharge concerns
The issue of parcel surcharging has long been a bone of contention for many internet shoppers. However, consumers across the United Kingdom, and especially those living in Northern Ireland and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland are now set to benefit from the launch of a new website which provides a one-stop shop to acknowledge these concerns. More >
Business Companion: advice on the unexpected
Sometimes running a business can feel like exploring uncharted territory. Snags and traps lie in wait for the unsuspecting, a bit like the unpopulated parts of old maps that bear the legend: 'Here be monsters'. More >
My Site
Sign up to watch guides for updates, and create collections to read later