The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has opened consultation on a new set of revised and updated consumer law guidance for car dealers.

The CTSI announced this week that it had begun consulting with stakeholders ahead of preparation of a draft guide applying to all businesses that sell cars.

“The document will set out important areas of consumer law, how they impact on dealers, and what steps can be taken to remain within the law”, it said.

Among the ‘stakeholders’ that the CTSI is now hoping to hear from hear from are:

• Consumer law and policy partners

• Motor trade associations

• Car dealers and their representatives

• All other relevant stakeholders with an interest in the motor trade and consumer law/policy

The CTSI’s draft guidance aims to inform members of the car trade on the main areas of consumer law that apply to their business.

Areas which it hopes to offer guidance to retailers are:

• Practical steps on complying with fair trading laws for traders who market and sell cars

• Interpretation of the legal obligations dealers owe to consumers before, during and after any dealings or contracts made with them

• Guidance on the law as it applies to transparent and fair pricing

• Information requirements for advertising and selling online

• Options when disputes arise

Anyone wishing to respond to the CTSI’s consultation should visit its consultation page: Car Traders Guidance Consultation to view/download the guidance and the associated checklist for dealers.

Consultation on the new guidance will end at close of business on February 15.