The Approved Code Scheme

When you're buying something expensive, complex or sensitive, you need to know you're dealing with a trustworthy and reliable business. That's where we can help.

Approved Codes of Practice

Our 45,000+ businesses abide by strict Codes of Practice that forbid high-pressure selling, cold-calling, misleading advertising, unclear or unfair terms and condition, and so much more.

Extra peace of mind

We protect consumers by promoting the best businesses. And by raising standards across the board - especially in sectors with a 'blemished' reputation. Our businesses won't let you down!

Supported by Government

All our Codes of Practice are approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute as meeting the highest standards of consumer protection - above and beyond legal requirements.

Welcome to the Approved Code Scheme

Considering an expensive, complex or sensitive purchase? The Approved Code Scheme makes it easier to identify a trustworthy and reliable business. Our members follow a strict Code of Practice approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) - the non-profit organisation entrusted by the Government to raise standards amongst UK businesses. Find out about the Approved Code Scheme here.

Verify an Approved Code business

If you've seen the Approved Code Logo displayed by a business - inside their premises, in printed materials, or online - check that they're a genuine Member of the Approved Code Scheme. All our members have signed up to a strict Code of Practice - guaranteeing higher levels of customer service and added consumer protections (above and beyond those offered by the law).

PLEASE NOTE : It is a criminal offence for non-Code Member businesses to falsely claim membership of the Approved Code Scheme, or display the Approved Code Logo. Please report any infringements to: ccab@tsi.org.uk

Why you can trust the Approved
Code Scheme?

45,000+ Businesses in 8 Key Sectors

Our members include tens of thousands of the most trustworthy and reliable businesses in some of the most traditionally high-risk, high-cost, new and emerging, or sensitive sectors. The Approved Code Scheme exists to provide an extra layer of consumer protection, when you really need to trust who you're dealing with.

Over £155 Billion of Spending Protected

So far, the Approved Code Scheme has protected an estimated £155 Billion worth of transactions - a staggering amount. And, since it began, it has overseen the direct recovery of tens of millions of pounds - with £2.1M in the last year alone.

Stronger Buyer Protection than UK Law alone

The protections offered to consumers through the Approved Code Scheme exceed those included in UK law. The Scheme aims to raise standards across largely unregulated sectors, by allowing only the most customer-focused businesses to join. And then encouraging them to aim ever higher.

Look out for the Logo

If you see a business displaying the Approved Code Logo (either the new version, or the original - see here), straight away, you'll know they are a member of a respected trade body with an Approved Code of Practice - ensuring you'll receive high standards of customer service and your consumer rights will be better protected and respected.

A change of name... and a lick of paint

In early 2024, we decided that - while we firmly believe that the Approved Code Scheme itself remains one of the most rigorous and robust consumer protection initiatives operating here in the UK - the way we presented it to the outside world had become a little confusing and 'inward-looking', and deserved a re-think.