Regulatory & Disciplinary
Trading Standards Investigations
Leading Trading Standards Investigation Solicitors in Manchester and london
A business can be placed under huge stress if there is a Trading Standards investigation, not only to the staff but also to its reputation. Getting Legal advice from our experienced trading standards investigations solicitors as soon as possible can make all the difference to protecting your reputation.
Trading Standards Officers are employed by Local Authorities to investigate complaints and enforce legislation. They can investigate:
- Unfair commercial practices;
- Counterfeit goods/trademark infringement;
- Labelling/descriptions;
- Weights and measures;
- Under-age sales (e.g. tobacco and alcohol);
- Consumer contract regulations (governing distance selling);
- Animal welfare;
- Consumer safety;
- Fraudulent activity.
They have the power to investigate with a number of powers allowing them to do so and can seize and detain goods. They are entitled to interview you under caution, either at local authority premises or a police station, although you cannot be forced to answer any questions. However, instructing solicitors can help you negotiate formal or informal agreements and undertakings regarding future conduct.
Businesses must also be careful not to breach their duties under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. This will include not conducting high-pressure selling and a non-exhaustive list of 31 other practices set out in Schedule 1 of the Act.
Contact Our Trading Standards Investigations Solicitors
If you would like to enquire about any matters regarding trading standards investigations, please complete our online contact form here or send an email to us at [email protected] and one of our solicitors shall call you back. Alternatively, please call our trading standards investigations solicitors on 0330 127 8888 for a no obligation discussion.
Monarch Solicitors have legal teams based Manchester and London.
We are also able to leverage an international network spanning across Hong Kong, Turkey and Dubai to provide seamless assistance with cross-border matters relating to Trading Standards investigations.
FAQ
No. Although they have extensive powers to investigate you, trading Standards Officers do not have the power of arrest. However, if they suspect criminal activity, they can contact the police to arrest you.
No. Trading standards services have no direct powers to order you to stop trading. However, they can apply to the courts for orders, which may restrict your activities.
The training standards are in relation to the police as they must report and stop any illegal activity that is happening.
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