The Trades Description Act of

1968 and 1972

What is The Trades DescriptionAct of 1968 and 1972?

It was an Act by the Parliament of the United Kingdom which prevents manufacturers, retailers or service industry providers from misleading consumers as to what they are spending their money on.

This law empowers the judiciary to punish companies or individuals making false claims about the products or services that they sell.

Why were the Acts introduced?The Trade Description Act 1972 was brought in to protect the trade

industry by prohibiting the inaccurate description of goods and services, and the use of false trade descriptions.

A trade description is an indication, direct or indirect, and by whatever means given, of the description of goods e.g;

• quantity, size or gauge; .• method of manufacture, production, processing or reconditioning; .• fitness for purpose, strength, performance, behaviour or accuracy; .And many other aspects. The Act excludes matters relating to land and buildings, which are now

dealt with under the provisions of the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991.

What the Act does ?

Makes it an offence if a trader:

Applies a false trade description to any goods.

Supplies or offers to supply any goods to which a false trade description is applied.

Makes certain kinds of false statements about the provision of any services, accommodation or facilities.

Enforcement of the Act

Local Trading Standards Authorities are under a statutory duty to enforce the provisions of this Act.

The Act gives them power of entry, inspection and seizure to help them do it.