Trading Standards

Newport City Council’s Trading Standards Service enforces a wide range of consumer protection and fair trading laws controlling the advertising, marketing, production, distribution and supply of goods and services throughout the manufacturing, importation, distribution and service delivery chain.

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Watch Newport Trading Standards in action on our short YouTube Trading Standards film (opens new website)

What do we do?

We check that descriptions on packaging and in adverts do not mislead about what you are getting (including the right quality) or about what you are asked to pay, e.g. that quoted interest rates are correct.

We check that food is not being sold past its "use by" date and that legal limits as to what can, or cannot, go into foods are met.

It is the responsibility of those who supply consumer goods to ensure that goods can be used safely for their intended purpose. We check that toys, electrical goods, cosmetics, cars, gas appliances, furniture etc, indeed that any goods, new or second hand, are safe to use.

The Consumer Credit Act is an extremely complex piece of legislation controlling terms in consumer contracts and how interest rates are displayed in adverts. We spend a great deal of time advising traders on what is, or is not permissible. Contravening the Act can result in a business having its credit licence revoked.

We check that age-restricted goods such as alcohol, 18 certificate DVDs, fireworks, tobacco, solvents, knives and spray paints are not sold to youngsters.

We check that goods and services are properly priced, e.g. loose food stuffs should have the price per kilo displayed.

We are responsible for making sure that all weighing and measuring equipment used for trade is accurate. This can include beer glasses, weighbridges, supermarket scales or petrol pumps.

We look out for goods that are counterfeit i.e. with unauthorised trade marks.

We investigate complaints that contract terms may be unfair.

We licence premises wishing to store/sell fireworks.

How do we check these laws?

By carrying out inspections of local businesses, making test purchases, taking samples and by investigating complaints from the public that may reveal criminal offences or scams.

For consumers wanting advice about goods or services that they have bought

or are thinking of buying, please contact Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06 or via the Consumer Direct website.

Please contact us if you want to complain about an unfair business practice or wrong -doing. We will also give advice to local businesses on the many and varied fair trading laws with which they need to comply.

View our Trading Standards Service Plan 2010-11 (pdf)

South East Wales TrustMark Scheme

From 18th March 2010 we will be helping consumers choose a reputable tradesperson and providing traders with the edge over their competitors.

TrustMark is a scheme supported by the government, consumer groups and the building industry to help consumers find reputable firms to do repair, maintenance and improvement work in and around their home.

Take a look at our pages informing consumers and informing traders about the Trustmark scheme.

For further information visit the Trading Standards South East Wales TrustMark website (opens new website)