Trading Standards

This page is known as: http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/tradingstandards

IMPORTANT: Second Tier Advice from Birmingham Trading Standards

Unfortunately Trading Standards will no longer (except to vulnerable consumers) provide the non-statutory civil advice and assistance service from 1 April 2014. Consequently in civil disputes Birmingham Trading Standards will no longer act/intervene on the consumer's behalf and make contact with the trader to negotiate a resolution.
Consumers will still be able to access first tier civil advice through the National Citizens Advice consumer service (details below). If the matter is still not resolved following advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service, you will need to take legal advice and/or seek a resolution through the Small Claims Court.

CONSUMER ADVICE
If you require consumer advice please contact the Citizens Advice consumer service either on their helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or by using their Consumer Complaint online form

The Citizens Advice consumer service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues - visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06. The service can be contacted between 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday [the service is closed on bank holidays and public holidays].

Personal appointments are only offered if a need for an appointment is identified following your initial telephone or online contact with the Citizens Advice consumer service.

The Citizens Advice consumer service also have two specific online forms for complaints about Energy Services and Post Services.

Finding a Reputable Trader and Tackling Rogue Traders?
To help consumers find a reputable trader, Birmingham Trading Standards works with No Rogue Traders Here Ltd. We check the complaint histories of all businesses that are approved by No Rogue Traders Here Ltd to make sure that they have not treated consumers unfairly. Whilst we take all reasonable steps only to authorise reputable businesses, contracts are entered into at the consumer's own risk. For more information on this innovative scheme visit: http://www.noroguetradershere.com/ Or use their freephone number 0800 233 5000.

If you think you are being targeted by a rogue trader visit our Doorstep Crime web page for further information and advice.

Operation Liberal is a joint operation between Trading Standards Authorities and West Midlands Police to tackle rogue traders operating throughout the West Midlands. Rogue traders are traders who go out intentionally to take advantage of consumers and to charge large amounts of money for little or very poor workmanship.

Latest News
For the latest news on Trading Standards issues in Birmingham go to our Latest news web page. Trading Standards are coming to all districts to talk about Doorstep Crime. You will find all information about venues, daets and times on this page.

Your views on the service we provide
Our Customer Care Charter gives further details on the standards of service you can expect from us. We want to hear from you with any compliments, comments or complaints about our services. Contact us by writing to:

Operations Manager Trading Standards
Trading Standards,
PO Box 16586
Birmingham
B33 3EH

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a public access building.

Or by e-mail to: tradingstandards@birmingham.gov.uk