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OFT approved codes explained

OFT approved codes are good for business. They help trade bodies to formalise their commitment to upholding good standards and allow their member businesses to continue improving their industry sector as a whole.

Businesses that wish to join the OFT’s Consumer Codes Approval Scheme need to speak to their trade body in the first instance. Trade bodies interested in registering with the scheme can find out how to apply here.

How can an OFT Approved code help my business?

Every business wants to be able to offer the best possible service to their customers. An OFT Approved code sends a message to customers that you are committed to raising standards in your sector.

An OFT Approved code can help you to:

  • Deliver a higher level of consumer protection than required by law.
  • Build on best practices within your sector.
  • React quickly to changes in the market place.
  • Increase sales or service requests.

Leaflet reference Publication title and description Quantity required
oft947 Give your business the edge (January 2010)
Benefits of the Consumer Consumer Code Approval Scheme to businesses.
Give your business the edge (pdf 173 kb)
oft390 Core criteria for consumer codes of practice (March 2008)
Core criteria and guidance
Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (pdf 283 kb) 		Download only
oft944 Consumer Codes Approval Scheme - campaign evaluation (July 2007)
A market research report that evaluates the OFT's Codes campaign that ran throughout March 2007.
Consumer Codes Approval Scheme - campaign evaluation (pdf 844 kb) 		Download only
oft870 Review of impact on business of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (October 2006)
A report for the Office of Fair Trading by the centre for economics and business research ltd with Opinion Research Business
Review of impact on business of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (pdf 567 kb) 		Download only
oft855 Consumer Codes Approval Scheme - update of core criteria (June 2006)
OFT's response to the consultation
Consumer Codes Approval Scheme - update of core criteria (pdf 178 kb) 		Download only
oft344 Consumer codes of practice: the OFT's response to the consultation (July 2001)
This report sets out the final criteria for new consumer codes of practice and priority sectors.
Consumer codes of practice (pdf 117 kb) 		Download only
oft331 The OFT's new approach to consumer codes of practice (February 2001)
This document announces a new approach by the Office of Fair Trading to voluntary codes of practice governing business dealings with consumers
The OFT's new approach to consumer codes of practice (pdf 83 kb) 		Download only


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Additional codes schemes

In addition to the OFT Approved code, other codes of practice exist. Codes of practice are important because they help to ensure that you, the consumer, get a fair deal from a trustworthy business. Below you will find more information about additional schemes in place throughout the UK.

Trustmark

TrustMark is a scheme supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, trade bodies, local trading standards and consumer groups to help people find reliable and reputable trades people to carry out repair, maintenance and improvement work inside and outside their homes.

Local Authority Assured Trader Schemes Network (LAATSN)

All the Local Authority Assured Trader Scheme Network member schemes have to meet minimum standard. The schemes have the common aims of:

  • Giving consumers a reliable way of finding businesses they can trust.
  • Offering a source of help and advice if things go wrong.
  • Enabling local business to demonstrate that they have signed up to national standards of consumer care.

Your local council can tell you if they are a member of this scheme or visit the OFT’s page for a list of network members.

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