News story

Consumer Rights Act 2015 comes into force 1 October 2015

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 introduces weights and measures and hallmarking changes that will benefit business and Trading Standards.

• From: National Measurement and Regulation Office
• Published: 30 March 2015
• Last updated: 1 October 2015 — See all updates

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 has come into force on 1 October 2015, bringing the following changes to weights and measures and hallmarking legislation.

Bread

Bakers of unwrapped and open packed bread are no longer required to keep records of the weight checks they have made on bread. This has removed the need for Trading Standards to issue a ‘small bakers’ exemption and has also removed inconsistencies in their use. This will benefit small and large businesses, from independent bakers to supermarket in-store bakeries, saving businesses in the region of £10 million.

Bakers of unwrapped and open packed bread must still ensure the quantity of their bread is accurate by meeting the requirements to measure or check the weight under the Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006. However, they are no longer required to keep records of any checks or adjustments made.

Powers of entry and inspection

Trading Standards powers of entry and inspection have been consolidated into a single set of powers replacing the general powers to enforce weights and measures and hallmarking legislation while retaining some specialist powers such as those needed to measure and weigh goods and testing of equipment. In addition, Trading Standards are now required to give advance notice of routine inspections to be carried out.

If you’re a business and require more information on the changes introduced by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 then check out Business Companion or speak to an adviser.

Further information can also be found on the supporting detail policy page.

Read the Department for Business, Innovation and Skill’s press release:

Consumer Rights Act 2015 media release (September 2015)

PDF, 98.7 KB, 1 page

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If you have any questions relating to weights and measures or hallmarking please contact:

Fiona Birchall

Email [email protected]

Telephone 020 8943 7214

Published 30 March 2015
Last updated 1 October 2015 + show all updates

1. 1 October 2015

   The Consumer Rights Act 2015 has come into force on 1 October 2015, introducing changes to weights and measures and hallmarking.

2. 30 March 2015

   First published.