Trading standards inspections and enforcement

Authorised officers can legally enter and inspect your business premises at any reasonable time. They do not usually tell you beforehand or make an appointment.

In some cases a court entry warrant may be used to gain entry at any time and by force if necessary.

What can happen during an inspection

Ask to see the officer’s identification first. Criminals sometimes pose as officers to gain entry to your premises.

In most cases during an inspection officers can:

• enter and inspect the entire premises  
• make test purchases, take samples and photographs
• observe how the business is run
• interview staff during the inspection 
• inspect and test any goods, equipment or installations
• seize items liable to forfeiture
• seize and retain any food, goods, computers or documents as evidence
• break open containers or vending machines
• access electronic devices to obtain or access information
• require the production and take copies of recordings (including computer records), documents and video recordings associated with the business

If you do not help during an inspection

It could be illegal to:

• obstruct an officer
• not meet a requirement they impose
• not give assistance to the officer
• not give information they reasonably require

It’s also illegal to give wrong or misleading information or not provide access to locked or secure areas. You could be fined or imprisoned for these offences.

If you're concerned about what could happen to your business, ask the inspecting officer what will happen next.