antiques and antiquities

(for all nations)

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The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 apply to you if you trade in fine art, antiques, antiquities, antiquarian books, manuscripts or other collectibles. The Regulations prohibit a trader from misleading consumers about a number of specified matters, either through providing information which is false, or through information which is misleading.

An auction house is similarly within the scope of the Regulations. You should set up a system of checks on items you buy and sell, and ensure that these checks are effectively carried out. This is known as taking all reasonable precautions and exercising all due diligence, and it is a defence within the Act.