Trading standards

We are here to protect the interests of Wokingham consumers and businesses and maintain a fair and safe trading environment within the Borough. 

 

 

See our news page for details.

 

View our Trading Standards Service Plan 2007 - 2010. 

 

 

To find out more about your consumer rights go to the Consumer Direct website. If you can't find what you are looking for please try the Trading Standards Central website.

 

 

We have produced a leaflet to raise people's awareness of how traders that cold call selling property repairs or home improvements may rip you off. It is one of several initiatives as part of a project this year to tackle the harm caused by some doorstep sellers.  

 

The main message is that the most effective way to prevent being ripped off by doorstep sellers is to not deal with them. You can download a leaflet with more information and our contact details to report suspicious doorstep sellers. If you would like a sticker to place on your door asking doorstep sellers not to call, with the message 'We do not buy or sell at this door', please contact us on 0118 974 6400.

 

We have also produced a booklet called Safe and Sound.  To view pages from this booklet please visit the Community Care Strategy and Performance Team's website or for a paper copy contact us on 0118 974 6400.

 

 

For further advice to householders and businesses about doorstep trading please visit Doorstoppers page on the Trading Standards Information website.

 

Visit the Buy with Confidence website.

 

 

For advice and guidance on trading laws please go to the Trading Standards Central website. 

 

For advice and business guidance visit the Under Age Sales advice page on the Trading Standards Central website.

 

 

Under the provisions of the Poisons Act and associated legislation, there are restrictions on the sale of various types of poisons. The Poisons List Order contains 2 classes of poisons referred to as 'Part 1' and 'Part 2' poisons respectively.

 

Only a registered pharmacist is permitted to sell 'Part 1' poisons. Anyone wishing to sell 'Part 2' poisons must register their name and the address of their business premises with the Trading Standards Service.

 

Sales may only be made at the premises so listed and only by the person listed. However, a listed seller may also nominate a maximum of two deputies to effect sales on his or her behalf.  There is a fee payable for registration and the registration has to be renewed annually.

 

There are many detailed requirements relating to the sale of poisons which depend upon the type of poison being sold.

 

They include:

 

 

 

The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations came into force on 26th April 2005 and they largely replace the 1875 Explosives Act. The other important legislation is The Fireworks Regulations 2004. Copies of the legislation may be found on the Office of Public Sector Information web site.

 

If you store fireworks you require a licence or registration from the Trading Standards service. This licence or registration depends on the quantity of fireworks you store and on the dates that you intend to sell them. The licence or registration is now granted to a person or a company at the premises.

 

If you are planning to sell fireworks outside these dates:

 

 

you may also need a £500 licence under the Fireworks Regulations 2004.

 

If you store less than 5kg of explosives, then there is no need to register or be licensed.

 

For further information and guidance, please contact the Trading Standards duty officer on 0118 974 6400 or email: trading.standards@wokingham.gov.uk.

 

 

For advice and guidance on animal diseases and welfare issues go to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website.

 

For more specific enquiries please use the links below: