Welsh councils are supporting this year’s Trading Standards Wales Spotlight 2025 campaign, highlighting the essential work of Trading Standards officers across Wales who keep consumers safe and support honest businesses.
The national campaign aims to help people avoid unsafe or counterfeit products, from fake toys and faulty electricals to illegal cosmetics and rogue traders. It celebrates the vital role of Trading Standards through three themed days
- Avoid Christmas Catastrophe
- Get Cosmetic Confident
- Home Safe Home
Each theme encourages shoppers to make informed choices, buy safely, and understand how Trading Standards helps keep families safe all year round.
Council Trading Standards teams across Wales are advising shoppers to shop smart and stay safe this Christmas. Whether buying toys, electrical goods, or festive decorations, shoppers are reminded to buy only from trusted retailers and to avoid deals that seem too good to be true - unsafe or counterfeit goods can cause fires, injuries, and long-term health risks.
Shoppers are advised to:
- Buy from reputable retailers or websites you recognise.
- Check for CE or UKCA safety markings and clear instructions.
- Avoid products sold without proper labelling or from unverified social media sellers.
- Pay by credit or with a debit card for extra protection.
- Keep receipts and take photos of faulty goods if you need to report them.
- Avoid cosmetics labelled “for professional use only” unless applied by trained professionals.
- Get written quotes for home repairs or improvements and confirm a trader’s full details before agreeing to work.
Councillor Stephen Thomas, WLGA spokesperson for Regulatory Services, said:
“We’re all consumers, and we all rely on the vital work Trading Standards officers do throughout the year to remove unsafe products from sale, investigate scams and support legitimate businesses. This campaign is a great opportunity to recognise their efforts and remind people how simple actions can help protect themselves and their families from harm.”
“At this time of year, it’s easy to be tempted by cheap online deals - but some can come with hidden dangers. Our message is simple: shop smart, stay safe, and support your local Trading Standards team.”