Yesterday saw the launch of the Office of Fair Trading's Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.

Readers will see the logo "approved code" advertised more and more when buying goods and services. It means the firm you are buying from is a member of a trade group with a code of practice approved by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

This means that businesses are allowed to use the logo where they have a code which has been rigorously checked. This signifies that they will:

promise to treat you fairly if problems arise when you buy from them

guarantee good customer service

give clear information about the goods or services they are selling

use clear and fair contracts

offer free or low-cost dispute resolution

offer you more rights than the law gives you.

Among the businesses which have secured OFT approval for the consumer code of practice are the Association of British Travel Agents, the Direct Selling Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association.

The scheme has just started and more businesses will be added. Readers can go to the website www.oft.gov.uk/codes and search for businesses.

A useful leaflet entitled Buy With Confidence When You See This Sign is available from City of York Trading Standards by phoning 01904 552519.

City of York Trading Standards is supporting the OFT's campaign to encourage businesses to regulate themselves, helping consumers identify better businesses and encouraging those businesses to raise standards of customer service.

The leaflet explains how the scheme works, and how standards will be maintained.

Updated: 08:49 Thursday, October 06, 2005