Trading Standards Entry and Inspection

Consumer Rights Act 2015, Schedule 5

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: Yes

Schedule 5 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 confers powers on enforcement officers (primarily trading standards officers) to enter premises at any reasonable hour for the purpose of ascertaining compliance with consumer legislation. Officers may inspect goods, test products, seize and detain goods, and require the production of documents. A warrant from a justice of the peace is required if entry is refused or the premises are unoccupied.

Conditions

The officer must be a duly authorised enforcement officer (usually local authority trading standards)
Entry must be at any reasonable hour
At least 2 working days' notice must be given unless the case is urgent or notice would defeat the purpose
A warrant is required if entry is refused or the premises are unoccupied

Limitations

This is a trading standards power: police may assist but do not typically exercise it
Seized goods must be returned if no proceedings are brought within a reasonable time
Obstruction of an officer exercising Schedule 5 powers is a criminal offence

Last updated 24 September 2026