Problem with an overseas trader - who to complain to and who can help
(for all nations)
Enter your postcode in the field at the bottom of this page to see if your local authority trading standards department has the full leaflet version available on its website.
If you purchase goods or services from someone in the same town, county or even country you may feel confident in handling a complaint. However if the trader isn’t in the same country or continent then who would you go to if things go wrong?
Always try to approach the trader directly first, a telephone call/e-mail/letter may be enough to get the matter resolved. Your credit card company can help if you have paid by credit card, and the amount is over £100. If your dispute is with a trader based within the European Union, you can contact the UK European Consumer Centre who can advise and assist in cross-border disputes. The USA and Canada operate local better business bureaux that can help and advise. In Australia you complain directly to the Office of Fair Trading in the particular state.
For other countries your first point of call should be the relevant embassy to find out who deals with consumer issues/fair trading.
