The Trading Standards Service (previously known as the Department of Consumer Affairs) has five main roles:

• Weights and Measures
• Fair Trading
• Consumer Advice
• Consumer Safety
• Trading Standards

Weights and Measures

In order to ensure any weighing or measuring undertaken for trade is correct, staff make regular visits to trade premises. Checks are made to ensure weighing and measuring equipment is accurate and the quantity of goods in packages corresponds with that marked on the container. Consumers and traders are therefore able to conduct business, safe in the knowledge of the accuracy of the goods or the weighing and measuring equipment.

New equipment is tested either before or at the time of installation, whilst other checks take place without prior warning on equipment that is already in use.

To ensure measurements in Guernsey are the same as elsewhere, the Service maintains the Island's reference standards of weight and measure. These are traceable to international standards by means of calibration checks against UK standards.

Tests on equipment can also be undertaken where a certificate of traceability is required. To view the Weights and Measures legislation available on this site click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Fair Trading

The Commerce and Employment Department is responsible for ensuring that trading in the Island is conducted in a fair and safe manner by keeping watch over trading methods and levels of protection offered to consumers.

In September 2009 the States approved draft legislation entitled the Trading Standards (Enabling Provisions) (Guernsey) Law, 2009 and this is currently awaiting Royal Sanction before coming into force in the island.

The Law will enable the introduction of secondary legislation (or Ordinances) in relation to Trading Standards  matters, including but not limited to: Sale and Supply of Goods and Services; Unfair Contract Terms; Misrepresentation; Safety of Consumer Products; Display of Prices; Distance Selling; Unfair Trading and Consumer Credit.

Consumer Advice

The Trading Standards Service provides a free and impartial consumer advice and complaint investigation service, able to deal with problems associated with most goods and services purchased by consumers. Where appropriate, contact is made with businesses in order to resolve the complaint. Complaints relating to non-local companies are dealt with, as well as those involving locally based businesses.

Regular liaison exists with Trading Standards Departments in the UK and elsewhere to share information which can often assist with the resolution of a complaint.

Consumer Safety

The safety of consumer products is regularly monitored. When necessary, press warnings are issued covering many types of products such as toys, electrical appliances, tools and gardening equipment.

Trading Standards

Contact is welcomed from traders seeking advice and guidance on their standard of trading and trading policies. Where possible, advice is also given to exporters seeking to ensure compliance with UK legislation.

For further information please contact,

Trading Standards - Bryan Guilbert (Head of Service)
Consumer Advice – Tracy Loveridge

Contact details for the Trading Standards service are as follows:

Trading Standards Service
Commerce and Employment Department
P.O.Box 459
Raymond Falla House
Longue Rue
St Martins
Guernsey
GY1 6AF

Tel: +44 (0) 1481 234567
Fax: +44 (0) 1481 235015

To contact Trading Standards, email ts@commerce.gov.gg