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
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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
Government guidance on online delivery
HM Government has produced a short online delivery leaflet, which is designed to help businesses that sell online understand their legal obligations when it comes to delivery charges and delivery restrictions. More >
New laws in force on tobacco, e-cigarettes, etc
New laws come into force today (20 May) on the packaging of tobacco products (particularly health warnings and standardised packaging) and the advertising of e-cigarettes (which, generally speaking, is no longer allowed). More >
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