Trading standards frequently asked questions

• What is the trading standards service?
• Is it the same as weights and measures?
• How is the service organised nationally?
• How is Plymouth trading standards organised?
• Where are we located?
• How do you work?

What is the trading standards service?

The trading standards service is the name given to the enforcement of a wide range of different laws covering safety, fair trading, quality, quantity, pricing and many other aspects of goods and services. For more information visit the Trading Standards website.

Is it the same as weighing and measures?

The service was originally, and still includes the weights and measures service, but as more legislation has been given to it to enforce a more general name was deemed appropriate.

How is the service organised nationally?

Trading standards is the responsibility of County or unitary councils, so in Devon and Cornwall that is Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council, Devon County Council and Cornwall Council. In the whole country there are about 200 separate Trading Standards Departments.

How is Plymouth trading standards organised?

Plymouth Trading Standards Unit is part of the Public Protection Service in the Department of Community Services. It comprises two teams, Special Investigations and Fair Trading and Standards.

Where are we located?

We operate from the Civic Centre.

How do you work?

We work both proactively, through inspections and sampling projects, and reactively investigating complaints.