Trading Standards

Our duty is to create and maintain a safe and fair trading environment where Kent businesses can operate and grow and Kent consumers can engage in their economic activity with confidence.

Trading Standards work with businesses and developing partnerships to drive Kent’s economic growth and protect residents.

To achieve this we:

  • investigate persistent and/or serious criminal activities, in particular those involving fraud, counterfeiting, scams, doorstep crime and persistent consumer detriment
  • support businesses by offering professional business advice and guidance, including Primary Authority Partnerships
  • audit high risk businesses such as farms, food and feed producers, importers, wholesalers and retailers
  • provide animal health and disease outbreak advice
  • carry out regular market surveillance, such as at Kent ports, markets and boot fairs, to prevent unsafe or illegal products entering the market
  • reduce illegal sale of tobacco and alcohol to children and young people as well as reduce access to illegal tobacco.

Find more consumer advice, local traders and information on scams.

We do not:

  • give advice or opinions to consumers about their individual complaints. Consumer advice and complaint handling is carried out by Citizens Advice consumer service (CACs) on behalf of Trading Standards.
  • close businesses (we have no powers to do this)
  • take court action on your behalf in the civil courts
  • get you your money back (we have no powers to do this)
  • tell you if we are investigating a business or give you information we hold about them.

Report a problem with a trader or product to Trading Standards by contacting our partner agency, Citizens Advice consumer helpline.

Report a problem now

You can also find out what happens after you make your report.

Learn about how Trading Standards handles your personal data.

We offer a number of services to local businesses including tailored business advice, dispute resolution advice, online training and more.

Find out more about business advice