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Why look out for the approved logo?

If a business displays the OFT Approved code logo, it operates to a higher standard of customer protection than the law requires.

 

 

You can rest assured that these businesses are committed to:

  •  Provide you with good standards of customer service
  • Give you clear information about the goods or services they’re selling
  • Use clear and fair contracts
  • Have user-friendly, and prompt procedures for dealing with customer complaints and provide access to low cost, independent advice to resolve disputes.

Guidance

Making a purchase? Our advice will help you to make the right choices and protect your rights as a consumer in the industries where an OFT Approved code operates. You can also find businesses operating under OFT Approved codes in your area.

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What is an approved code of practice?

Many trade bodies have codes of practice that lay down rules for what their member businesses should and should not do.  Some trade bodies (known as code sponsors) have achieved OFT approval for their codes.  We only approve codes if satisfied that they give you protection and offer you a higher level of customer service.

All approved codes meet our core criteria include:

  • a commitment to provide customers with adequate information about goods and services
  • the use of clear and fair contracts
  • the protection of deposits or prepayments
  • low cost, independent dispute resolution if a complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily.

How to get involved

For a business to get involved, its relevant trade body must have a code of practice approved by the Office of Fair Trading. Businesses operating to that code qualify to use and display the OFT Approved code logo.

What are code sponsors?

Code sponsors are the trade bodies that act as representatives for certain types of businesses and are responsible for administering and overseeing the code of practice.

Sponsors

Who's taking part?

Here’s an A to Z list of code sponsors that have already achieved OFT approval for their code, proving that their members can provide an exceptional level of customer care.

Bosch Car Service

See OFT press release  >>
Visit Bosch Car Service website  >> 

British Association of Removers

See OFT press release  >>
Visit Bar website  >>

British Healthcare Trades Association

See OFT press release  >>
Visit BHTA website  >>

The Carpet Foundation

See OFT press release  >>
Visit The Carpet Foundation website  >> 

Debt Managers Standards Association (DEMSA)

See OFT press release  >>
Visit DEMSA website  >>

Direct Selling Association

See OFT press release  >>
Visit DSA website >>

Institute of Professional Will writers

See OFT press release  >>
Visit IPW website  >>

Motor Codes Ltd (New Car Code)

See OFT press release  >>
Visit Motor codes website  >>

The Property Ombudsman Ltd (Sales)

See OFT press release  >>
Visit The Property Ombudsman website  >>

Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association Ltd

See OFT press release  >>
Visit VBRA website  >>

Working towards OFT code approval

In addition, the following code sponsors have successfully completed stage one and are working towards OFT approval of their codes of practice:

Motor Codes Ltd (Service and Repair)

See OFT press release  >>
Visit Motor Codes website  >>

Motor Codes Ltd (Vehicle Warranty Products)

See OFT press release  >>
Visit Motor Codes website  >>  

Renewable Energy Association

See OFT press release  >>
Visit REA wesbite  >>

SafeBuy

See OFT press release  >>
Visit Safebuy website  >>

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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