The days of dodgy traders setting up bogus closing down sales in shops or pulling off prize draw scams should be over, thanks to new legislation designed to protect consumers and businesses. Business Link is encouraging bosses across Kent to brush up on their knowledge of new rules so they don’t fall foul of the law. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (known as CPRs) were introduced in May largely to replace the old Trade Descriptions Act.

While protecting consumers from misleading and aggressive sales tactics, the CPRs are also designed to standardise laws across the European Union, allowing fair trade between businesses in different countries. There are 31 practices which are now officially outlawed and these include using false endorsements for a product or service and the use of misleading comparison in advertisements.

Business Link’s Linda Bennett said: “The CPRs have been introduced to provide a level playing field for businesses and to protect shoppers whether they are buying in the high street or online. They will also benefit anyone trading across the EU, making it easier to market goods and services to a European-wide marketplace of some 460 million customers.

“We know that the vast majority of businesses operate fairly and honestly and will not need to change the way they operate. However, we have provided advice for businesses which want to check they are trading within the new law. For specific enquiries about individual cases, companies can also seek advice from their local council Trading Standards Office.”

Businesses can register on www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast/regulationupdates to receive alerts about any new or changing regulations that directly affect their type of business.

For a free fact sheet on The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, please call 0845 600 9 006. Alternatively, visit businesslink.gov.uk/southeast/unfairtrading for more information.