We help businesses trade fairly and comply with current legislation.
We also offer advice to consumers to help protect them when buying services and shopping.
How to report a scam or a problem
You should contact Citizens Advice to report a scam or a problem with a trader or product. You don’t need to call us directly, they will send details of your report to Bedford Borough Council Trading Standards on your behalf.
Report a problem with a trader or product
Trading with the EU
The new Trade Co-operation Agreement (TCA) between the UK and the EU came into force on 31 December 2020. Businesses need to be aware of the new regulations and required paperwork for the movement of goods to and from the UK and the EU.
See information about the agreement here.
Areas of law covered by trading standards
The information below covers some of the areas that fall under the remit of trading standards although this is not an exhaustive list:
- Goods and services such as home improvements, and how they are sold; the descriptions applied to properties being offered for sale
- Rogue traders, misleading advertisements including credit adverts and unlicensed trading
- Descriptions applied to precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum
- Holiday descriptions and timeshare companies
- Price indications including reductions, sales promotions and price comparisons
- The labelling and composition of cosmetics, textiles and furnishings
- Sales of mis-described or un-roadworthy vehicles and traders pretending to sell vehicles as private individuals
- Sale of food past its use by date, food composition and general food labelling
- The safety of toys and other household goods
- Illegal sales of alcohol, cigarettes, fireworks, knives and other age restricted products to young people
- Weights and measures including sales in markets, pubs and any other establishment selling goods by measure
- Animal health and welfare, and animal disease containment
- Petroleum Storage