In the guide
Business activities that are not covered by the other categories of Trading Standards law
You'll still need to read the Quick Guides that cover what, where and how you sell, but it may be that you can't find specific information on your business.
How do you know whether you're covered by law
The law affecting businesses may seem daunting, and some sectors are much more heavily regulated than others. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you research which laws apply to your specific business venture.
This guide gathers together the In-depth Guides that may not fit neatly into the areas of Trading Standards law covered by the other Quick Guides.
For more detailed information please see the In-depth Guides below. Once you've finished, make sure you look at the full range of Quick Guides to see whether there are any other areas of law that affect your business.
Before you start
Make sure you choose your location using the drop-down list at the top of the page. The In-depth Guides provide country-specific information as some laws are different in England, Scotland and Wales, and some are enforced differently.
In-depth guidance
This is a general guide and you may well need to know more; take a look below where we've listed our In-depth Guides on specific topics related to other guidance and business activitiesGeneral
Selling antiques or antiquities? You must take great care that you do not mislead consumers or other businesses
There are different requirements when selling at car boot sales, depending on whether or not you are a 'trader' in the eyes of the law
Energy-efficiency labels must be displayed on certain electrical goods that are for sale
All businesses are required to charge for most new single-use carrier bags they supply
Consumers must not be misled about ticket details, and certain information must be given to the prospective purchaser when tickets are resold
Official guidance from the Financial Conduct Authority
How the law applies to products sold in these types of shop, including food supplements, cosmetics, and products of animal origin
Your duties if you keep pigs as pets, including identification requirements and movement records
Recognise the legal implications of making pet foods at home, including the need for registration / approval
Essential welfare information for individuals that keep animals, including pets and livestock
The law requires any pet food that you sell to be labelled with certain information
The weight of solid fuel must be specified; this also applies to wood if a relevant bye-law exists, or you opt to show weight
Understand the relevance of Energy Performance Certificates, Display Energy Certificates and the Green Deal, and whether these apply to your property
It is important for businesses to understand what IP rights they own and how best to protect those rights
Important facts to consider before allowing an occasional or one-day sale to be held at your premises
The legal requirement to reduce, re-use, recover and recycle packaging, and what evidence you need in order to demonstrate compliance.
A guide to the law on the packaging, tracking and tracing of tobacco products and the distribution and advertising of vapes
Any person who deals in precious metals must ensure they are correctly hallmarked and must display a dealers' notice
The minimum standard of energy efficiency of certain non-domestic rented property is a rating of E or above
The minimum standard of energy efficiency of certain domestic rented property is a rating of E or above
The use of plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care products is prohibited, as is the supply of any such products
Novel foods explained, including restrictions on their use and an explanation of the legal status of foods containing CBD and the permitted uses of hemp
The supply of single-use plastic straws and cotton buds to end users, and the supply of plastic drink stirrers to business and end users is prohibited in England
Businesses need to ensure that environmental claims made about their products or services are not misleading
There are detailed requirements regarding the storage and retail supply of fireworks, including licensing and the times of the year when they can be supplied
Running your business
When dealing with consumers you must ensure that you act fairly; you must provide accurate information and avoid business practices that are unfair, misleading or aggressive
Ensure you are entitled to use a membership or 'approved by' logo before doing so
The options for businesses, and the information requirements, for resolving disputes out of court
Understand what the law requires of you when doing business with other businesses
How to spot and then avoid getting caught out by scams targeting businesses
Understand the law regarding your business trading name; there are particular rules that only apply to 'companies'
A guide to the Primary Authority partnership businesses can have with Trading Standards services
How Trading Standards officers ensure that businesses comply with Trading Standards law, including their powers to visit businesses and to take formal enforcement action