Welcome to the North Somerset Trading Standards website. This web site is part of our service to North Somerset residents and businesses but you are welcome to browse this site no matter where you live.

News and Press Releases

Press Releases from North Somerset Trading Standards

Press Releases from the Trading Standards Institute

Legal proceedings taken by North Somerset Trading Standards Service

Latest UK consumer product recalls

Schmallenberg Virus

Between August and October 2011 outbreaks of Schmallenberg virus were reported in both the Netherlands and Germany.

Find out more about the virus that has also now been reported in the UK visiting the Defra website using the link below:

Defra: Schmallenberg virus information

Thinking of buying a used car?

When you are considering buying a used car you want to make sure the paperwork is in order - don't you?

But, if the car is over three years old, how do you know that the MOT Certificate you are shown is genuine?

If the MOT is a fake - is the car safe to
be on the road? How can you check that the mileage is correct?

Now a new way for you to check a vehicle's MOT history and mileage travelled has been launched. All you need to do is:-

• When you've settled on a car -
  make a note of the registration number

• Make sure you are shown the vehicle's MOT Certificate and
  write down the certificate number (Found at the top of the certificate)

• Log on to Direct Gov website and follow the instructions

This check will enable you to check the vehicles MOT history and the mileage recorded by the test station at the time of each test.

Buying your first car?

If you are thinking of buying your first car, why not order a copy of our free guide: "ON THE ROAD, A Guide to Buying Your First car".

It's packed with useful advice about the cost of motoring, buying your car, MOT's, things to look out for, your legal rights, how to deal with problems and a range of other topics.

E-mail us at Trading Standards to order your free copy.

Tobacco

Thinking of travelling abroad? Considering returning with tobacco products?

If arriving into the UK from an EU country there are no restrictions on tobacco (and alcohol), However you must meet the conditions below:

• You transport the goods yourself.
• The goods are for your own use or as a gift. If the person you give the goods to pays you in any way (including reimbursing you for any expenses or payment in kind), then it's not a gift and the goods may be seized.
• The goods are duty and tax paid in the EU country where they were acquired.

More detailed information can be viewed on the HM Customs & Excise website.

There are strict penalties for smuggling prohibited and restricted items or for selling items brought into the UK for personal use.

This can include unlimited fines, imprisonment or both.

The UK has an increasing problem with illegally imported tobacco products.

Many of these products have been found to not comply with UK safety standards and may contain excessive levels of harmful substances.

If you have any information or concerns relating to illicit tobacco products please contact Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Wise Up

WISE UP to the myths and truths of smoking hand rolled cigarettes.

A new campaign is launched by SMOKEFREE South West

Going abroad on holiday?

If you're planning on flying abroad this year for your holiday, take our advice on baggage weight restrictions:- Airline baggage weights

Just Tick It

Just Tick It is a celebrity backed campaign, launched by the
Office of Fair Traing (OFT) on 28 May 2010.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of fake ticketing websites and to provide consumers with simple, practical advice on how to avoid being conned.

Research in 2009 showed that 1 in 5 people knew someone who had bought tickets to a music, sport or theatre event from a fake ticketing website. Victims lost an average of £80 each!.

Try this fake ticket website to see how easy it is to be conned!

For detailed consumer Advice about ticket scams go to
Ticket Scams Advice

Real scam ticket incident affecting a North Somerset resident.

If you've been a victim, report a ticket scam here.

North Somerset Trading Standards works closely with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary on a variety of issues, including under-age sales, counterfeit goods and 'cowboy' tradesmen. Click below to link to their website.

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