The government's Business Companion provides information for businesses that need to know about trading standards and consumer protection legislation.

The guidance is divided up into 15 broad quick guides and each one contains a number of more detailed in depth guides.

There could be rules you are not aware of, so make sure you explore the site thoroughly.

Business Companion - Trading standards law explained

Local businesses seeking further advice should contact us on 020 8215 3000 or email tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.

Product safety recalls

When unsafe products get onto the market a product safety recall is issued.

Check if a product has been recalled on the Trading Standards Institute website.

Product recalls

Product conformity standards

All products covered by product-specific legislation must meet essential safety requirements.

A producer or importer can demonstrate that a product meets these requirements by carrying out the appropriate tests as set out in the relevant standard(s), if applicable.

The British Standards Institute (the UK’s national standards body) provides copies of standards which relate to specific product types.

The European Union issues a list of EU harmonised standards.