Selling rules

Single use plastic and paper bags

From 21 July 2022 the Single Use Plastics etc. (Restrictions) (Jersey) Law 2021 comes into effect and applies to all traders.

This means:

• you can't import or supply single use plastic and paper bags
  
• reusable plastic and paper bags must be provided to customers at a minimum price of 70p
• failure to comply may lead to a Level 2 fine of £1,000

Find more single use plastic and paper bag guidance, including prohibited bags and those you can still use.

Distance selling (online selling) 

If you sell goods or services at a distance you must comply with the Distance Selling (Jersey) Law 2007 . This law applies for sales done via: 

• the internet 
  
• text messaging 
• phone calls 
• mail order 
  

Controls on distance selling

Banned practices

There are 31 commercial practices banned by the law. This ban protects the economic interests of all consumers. See the list of the 31 banned unfair commercial practices.

Consumer protection law

If you sell goods or services, you must comply with laws and regulations in place to protect consumers. The law simplifies consumer rights and makes clear which commercial practices are banned.

The Consumer Protection (Unfair Practices) (Jersey) Law

Learn more about your consumer rights (Trading Standards).

Returns policy

Your customers have legal rights when they buy goods.

You only need a returns policy if you want to give your customers additional rights beyond their minimum entitlement by law.

Learn more about your company returns policy or your customers' legal rights on supply of goods and services (statutory rights).

Misleading or false information

You cannot give misleading or false information to consumers about your product or contract, including:

• misleading actions
• misleading omissions
• material information

Material information and misleading actions

Product safety

As a distributor or producer, you're responsible for the safety of the goods you supply. You must also comply with relevant standards. 

Providing safe products to your customers: information for businesses and suppliers

You have certain obligations if you:

• sell or supply goods, including passing on warnings and instructions on these goods. Find further details on product safety for distributors
  
• produce goods, including traceability and monitoring. Learn more about your requirements on product safety for producers
  

Trading Standards use measures to remove the risk to consumer safety for any goods you sell, supply or produce that are not safe. These are known as safety notices.

Sunday trading

Only certain shops can open on Sundays. This depends on the size of your shop's retail area. Otherwise your shop can only open on Sundays 5 times per year and on special occasions.

Find more details on Sunday trading including how to apply for a Sunday trading permit.

Trading on a beach or slipway

Your may be able to trade on a beach or slipway depending on your business' circumstances. In any cases, you'll need a licence. For further information on the law and how to apply for a licence see trading on a beach or slipway.

Selling and displaying tobacco

Under the law you cannot sell tobacco to any person under the age of 18.

It's also illegal to display tobacco products in shops and businesses in Jersey. There are certain situations where temporary displays may be allowed but only in the limited circumstances.

Find more regulations on selling tobacco and on smoking law: regulations and factsheets.

E-cigarettes and butane canisters

Under the law you cannot sell to any person under the age of 18:

• lighter refill canisters containing either butane or a substance containing butane
• nicotine inhaling products (e-cigarettes)
• nicotine vaporisers (e-cigarettes vaporisers)
• any e-cigarettes component parts

See the restrictions on sale of butane canisters and e-cigarettes for more information.

Weighing or measuring equipment

Certain weighing or measuring equipment used for trade must be verified by an inspector before you can use them under the Weights and Measures (Jersey) Law, 1967 on Jersey Law website.

Fees are charged whenever weighing or measuring equipment is tested and stamped as fit for trade use.

If you have equipment requiring verification email Trading Standards or call 01534 448160.

Become a supplier for the Government of Jersey

Any business can become a supplier for the Government of Jersey.

Tender opportunities are advertised differently depending on contract value and confidentiality.

Learn where to find tender opportunities and how to apply for them on becoming a supplier to the States of Jersey.