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OFT consults on update of core criteria for codes scheme

30 November 2005

Consultation on an update of the core criteria for the OFT Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (see notes 1and 2) has been published today.

This review is not intended to change the criteria or to impose additional requirements but to examine the existing criteria and clarify them where necessary.

Download consultation paper (pdf 213 kb).

Since the core criteria were first set out in 2001, the OFT has approved five codes (see note 3) and now is an appropriate time to review whether the criteria can be clarified and improved whilst delivering robust codes that improve consumer protection. The review will also consider how the layout and structure of the criteria could be improved.

The OFT is keen to hear from all those with an interest in consumer codes of practice, particularly current or potential code sponsors under the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS), consumer groups, the trading standards service and enforcement agencies.

Responses should be sent to Gary Furlonger, Room 3E/018, Office of Fair Trading, Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, London EC4Y 8JX by 17 February 2006. A formal response to the consultation exercise will be published in May 2006.

NOTES

1. The OFT Consumer Codes Approval Scheme comprises two stages:
Stage one – the code sponsor must ensure the code meets the OFT's published core criteria and contains measures designed to remove or ease consumer concerns about undesirable trading practices in its sector.

3. Five trade bodies have secured OFT approval for their codes so far. They are the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), Ombudsman for Estate Agents Company Limited (OEA), Direct Selling Association (DSA), Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd (SMMT) and the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association Ltd (VBRA).

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