Inspections

In most cases you will not be told when an inspection is about to be carried out. The frequency of the trading standards inspections is based on risk assessment.   

What is risk assessment? 

Risk assessment is a method by which we prioritise our work. The type and scale of a business, its history, the complexity of the product or service it provides and an assessment of any quality or management systems are all taken into account and scored. Premises which require inspection are then placed in High, Medium and Low risk categories.   

High risk premises are scheduled to receive an annual inspection. Medium risk premises should be visited once every two years and Low risk premises are only due for an inspection once every five years.   

Those premises which do not need inspections are placed in a No Risk category. They may, however, be visited by officers from the Trading Standards Service for other reasons.   

What can businesses get out of an inspection? 

One of the main reasons for an inspection is to help businesses comply with their legal obligations. In this regard, an inspector's aims are the same as those of the business.   

If any matters come to the attention of an officer during the course of an inspection, these will be brought to the attention of the business at the time.   

At the end of an inspection the owner or occupier will be handed a form outlining what has been inspected and what requires attention. If the business owner (or person present) has any questions about the outcome of the visit, the officer will be pleased to supply an explanation.   

Having an officer on the premises provides an opportunity for the business to ask any questions on trading standards matters. It may not be possible to answer all questions at the time of the visit. If the query is a complex one, the officer may need to do some research on the law before giving an answer.   

What if the business is unsure of the officer's identity or powers?

Officers of the Trading Standards Service undertaking inspections will always declare who they are. If you are not all together sure of the identity of an officer, please ask to see his or her authorisation.   

Many of the statutes allocated to the Trading Standards Service give authorised officers the power to enter premises, take samples and inspect goods or equipment. If serious breaches of the law are uncovered, there are also powers to seize goods, equipment or documents. These powers are only used sparingly and where necessary.   

Do businesses have to wait for an inspection before asking for advice on Trading Standards matters?

It is not necessary to wait for a visit before obtaining advice from Trading Standards. If any matter is causing concern to a business, then a call to the Trading Standards Service could help to resolve the matter. The Trading Standards Service would rather help a business put things right than find things wrong on inspection or receive complaints about a business.

Please contact trading standards if you have any questions.