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 in focus
Selling goods via online platforms
A guide to selling goods online via auction sites and marketplaces
Read MoreBusiness 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
Leaving the European Union
The UK has now left the European Union and we are in a transition period while the Government and the EU negotiate. The transition period lasts until the end of 2020 and existing laws continue to apply during it. More>
Information on changes to Business Companion In-depth Guides
In 2020 we will be introducing a new section to the In-depth Guides, which will briefly explain what changes have been made in the most recent update. More>
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