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 Business in Focus guidance on alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
From disagreements between landlords and tenants, to missing or damaged items, resolving disputes between business and customers can be a costly and time-consuming process, with court cases adding undue stress to an already unpleasant situation. More >
New Business in Focus guidance for care home owners & managers
Care home owners and managers face complex law and guidelines on how they run and operate their business. Information for residents and their representatives should be provided in a timely manner. Communications need to be clear, accurate and easy to find. More >
My Site
Sign up to watch guides for updates, and create collections to read later