Join the Approved Code Scheme

With almost 45,000 businesses now part of the Approved Code Scheme, and more than £155 billion of consumer spending protected, the Scheme has gone from strength to strength as the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) continue with their mission of protecting consumers and pushing for fair trading across all business sectors.

Join as a Code Member
Join as a Code Sponsor

After it was originally set-up in 2001 by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), the current version of the Approved Code Scheme was later launched by CTSI in 2013, as a means of promoting consumer interests by setting out the principles of effective customer service and protection. These fundamental principles have never been more necessary than they they are today amongst the ever-changing consumer landscape, and CTSI are proud to be leading the charge.

Why join the Scheme?

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The Approved Code Scheme aims to promote consumer interests within the self-regulated sectors by setting out the core principles of effective customer service and increased consumer protection. It goes above and beyond consumer law obligations and sets a higher standard, giving consumers a clear indication - through the right to display the Approved Code Logo - that Code Sponsors and their Members can be trusted. The Approved Code Scheme aims to reduce 'consumer detriment' and Codes of Practice will only be approved if they can clearly demonstrate that they are contributing to this.

Become a Code Member (business)

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If you run a business that operates in one of our current sectors, you can be a part of the Approved Codes Scheme by belonging to a Code Sponsor organisation. To find a Code Sponsor organisation in your sector, please browse our Approved Code Directory, select a Code Sponsor in your particular sector and simply follow the How to Join Us instructions on their profile page.

Find a Code Sponsor in the Approved Code Directory

The benefits of being a Code Member

Once a member of a Code Sponsor organisation, you are entitled to display the Approved Codes Logo - which reassures consumers you are committed to the highest levels of customer service. Being part of the Approved Code Scheme means you have a robust customer complaints procedure and clear pre-contractual information. This will help you to attract and retain customers. In addition, being part of an approved code helps drive up customer standards within your business sector and therefore raise overall consumer confidence.

TENDERS : Many tenders require organisations to be members of an accreditation or approval scheme, as part of their application process. Being a member of the Approved Code Scheme is an effective way for you to demonstrate your commitment to an Approved Code of Practice that ensures high standards within your sector and an enhanced level of customer service.

For more information about joining the Scheme, email ccab@tsi.org.uk

Become a Code Sponsor (organisation)

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A Code Sponsor is an organisation with a voluntary Code of Practice. It aims to influence and raise standards within its membership. The Approved Code Scheme is committed to promoting codes of practice that meet our core criteria and have obtained Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) approval. Read the full Core Criteria and Guidance, or download our Code Sponsor Brochure below.

Read the Approved Code Scheme - Code Sponsor Brochure (pdf)

Approved Code Scheme - Core Criteria (Nov 2019)

The benefits of being a Code Sponsor

Being part of a robust self-regulated Code scheme, approved by CTSI, that businesses want to join
The chance to grow your membership base and increase market share, through a commitment to reducing consumer detriment
You and your Members can display the Approved Code Logo, which reassures consumers.

Who can become a Code Sponsor?

The Approved Code Scheme is open to any eligible Code of Practice, regardless of whether or not there are other Code Sponsors already operating in that sector. If you operate a Code of Practice that you believe will be eligible for approval, please initiate your Code Sponsor Application (below).

Code Sponsor Application Process

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST : Send an email with your company name and full contact details to ccab@tsi.org.uk to request an Expression of Interest Application Form. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) will then undertake due diligence checks on your organisation.
STAGE ONE : If it is found that your Code of Practice meets all the relevant core criteria, you will be awarded Stage One Approval.
STAGE TWO : Stage Two Approval will only be awarded if you can demonstrate that your Code of Practice is working well in practice. At this stage, you and your Code Members will be permitted to display the Approved Code Logo.

Code Sponsors must complete all stages of application prior to approval being given, which will be clear, unambiguous and in writing. Fees apply for both stages of the application process (see below).

Code Sponsor - Annual Fees

Code Sponsor - Schedule of Fees and Charges

The Code Approval Process is a robust and rigorous process for Code Sponsors. And Code Sponsors will only be approved if you can clearly demonstrate that you are committed to the reduction of consumer detriment and improving service standards. This is how consumers can have confidence in businesses displaying the Approved Codes Logo.

PLEASE NOTE : We recently changed the consumer-facing name of the scheme from the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) to the Approved Code Scheme. However, some of our publicity and contractual materials (produced before June 2024) may still include references to the original name. Until we have adapted everything, both names remain valid - and we apologise for any confusion.