Derbyshire trading standards consultation launched
New draft enforcement guidance has recently been drawn up by the council’s trading standards team covering a number of areas and they are now seeking views
Residents and businesses are being given the chance to have their say on draft guidance drawn up by Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards around consumer protection and product safety.
From single-use vapes and plastic straws to calorie-labelling and wet wipes, legislation is in place that’s designed to keep consumers healthy and safe from harmful products and the countryside and waterways protected from pollution.
While the legislation is introduced by national government, enforcing it falls to trading standards teams across the country.
The county council’s trading standards are responsible for enforcing consumer protection and product safety legislation covering almost 300 individual laws and must produce guidance on how these laws will be enforced locally.
For example, the guidance will determine what is the most appropriate and effective sanction, whether that’s a fine or prosecution, on a business or individual if they have not complied with certain legislation following an improvement notice.
New draft enforcement guidance has recently been drawn up by the council’s trading standards team covering a number of areas and they are now seeking views, comments and feedback from residents, businesses and other parties and organisations before the guidance is formally agreed.
A four-week consultation has now been launched to seek views as well as to raise awareness of the guidance.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet member for Communities and Safety Councillor Dan Price said: “The guidance covers a range of important consumer protection, public health and environmental regulations, including food labelling, single-use plastics, wet wipes and vaping products. It is appropriate that our trading standards service has a clear and transparent framework for determining enforcement action where businesses fail to comply with their legal obligations.
“I particularly welcome the decision to undertake a public consultation, providing residents, businesses and other stakeholders with an opportunity to review the proposals and contribute their views before the guidance is finalised, after all we work for the residents. This will help ensure the guidance is both proportionate and effective while maintaining confidence in the enforcement process.’’
A link to the consultation and summaries of each of these regulations are available on the county council’s website : Consultation on trading standards enforcement guidance 2026 - Derbyshire County Council
People wanting to give their views and feedback can review the draft documents and provide their comments, queries or feedback by email to: [email protected]
The consultation closes at midnight on 12 August 2026.