Trading Standards

Trading Standards enforce a wide range of legislation which helps to ensure the goods and services we purchase are described truthfully and accurately and that pricing is advertised in a clear way to consumers that is not misleading. We do this by using an intelligence led approach complimented by regular market surveillance activities. This can include assessing local complaints, national trends and emerging issues, inspecting trade premises to check compliance, undertaking surveys and projects as well as test purchasing exercises.

All traders must trade fairly, and it is against the law for a trader to:

• make false claims of trade association membership
• sell dangerous, illicit or counterfeit goods
• claim that a shop is closing down when it is not
• falsely state that a product is only available for a limited time
• make misleading actions and omissions (leaving out important information)
• use aggressive practices

We monitor business activity across the Western Isles to check that they are complying with fair trading law. Examples include:

• investigating complaints about overcharging
• verifying descriptions of goods and services
• dealing with scams
• visiting jewellers to check hallmarking
• checking property descriptions
• inspecting used cars
• monitoring internet retailers

Enforcement

We investigate illegal activities and have a range of options for dealing with it that may include advice and education right through to prosecution. If you wish to report fair trading issues this can be done through our partners at Advice Direct Scotland.