How to Report a Business to Trading Standards

Stop unfair business practices and protect consumers

Quick Answer

Report a business to your local council's Trading Standards department via their online portal or phone. Describe the problem: misleading prices, faulty goods, unfair terms, aggressive selling. Trading Standards investigates for free and can issue warnings, compliance notices, or prosecution. You don't need evidence of illegal intent—just showing the breach is enough.

What Can You Report?

Trading Standards handles: misleading prices, undisclosed charges, faulty or unsafe products, unfair contract terms, unfair trading practices (pressure selling, false scarcity claims), breach of distance selling rules (online/mail order), and non-compliance with product safety laws. You can report on behalf of others too (if you witnessed harm).

How to File a Report

1. Gather details: Business name, address, date of incident, what happened, how it harms you. Photos or evidence help but aren't required.

2. Contact Trading Standards: Find your local council online. Most have a Trading Standards complaints portal. Fill in the form with business details and complaint. You can also call or email.

3. Provide evidence: Receipts, emails, screenshots, product photos, witness names. Clear, timestamped evidence makes investigation faster.

4. Trading Standards investigates: They have legal power to inspect premises, seize products, interview witnesses. If breach is confirmed, they'll warn the business or issue a compliance notice. Repeat offenders face prosecution and fines.

5. You won't recover money directly, but enforcement stops the practice and protects future customers. For compensation, make a separate claim (small claims court, ombudsman, etc.).

What the Law Says
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Sets out unfair trading practices and gives Trading Standards enforcement power. Part 3 grants right to fair, transparent contract terms and prohibits aggressive selling.
Enterprise Act 2002, Part 8
Gives Trading Standards duty to investigate breaches and enforce consumer law. Can issue stop notices and pursue prosecution for serious breaches.
Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
Prohibits misleading actions, misleading omissions, and aggressive commercial practices. Breach is an offence under Part 8 of the Enterprise Act.
Will my complaint be investigated? +

Trading Standards prioritise repeat offenders and large-scale breaches affecting many consumers. Single complaints may be logged but not immediately investigated. Pattern of similar complaints triggers investigation.

Will I get money back? +

No. Trading Standards enforces the law but doesn't award compensation. For your money back, file a separate small claims claim or ombudsman complaint.

Can the business find out who reported them? +

Most complaints are confidential. However, if the case goes to court, your identity may be disclosed. Ask Trading Standards to keep your name confidential where possible.

How long does an investigation take? +

Weeks to months, depending on complexity and evidence. You may not hear the outcome unless the case is prosecuted (public record).

What happens if Trading Standards finds a breach? +

Depends on severity. Minor breach: warning. Serious: compliance notice (stop the practice or face fine). Repeat or egregious breach: prosecution in magistrates court with fines up to £50,000+ or unlimited.

Report a Business Now