Trade Descriptions Act 1968
Prohibition of false trade descriptions
1 Prohibition of false trade descriptions.
2Trade description.
3False trade description.
4 Applying a trade description to goods.
5 Trade descriptions used in advertisements.
6 Offer to supply.
Power to define terms and to require display, etc. of information
7 Definition orders.
8 Marking orders.
9 Information etc. to be given in advertisements.
10 Provisions supplementary to sections 8 and 9.
Misstatements other than false trade descriptions
11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 False representations as to royal approval or award, etc.
13 False representations as to supply of goods or services.
14 False or misleading statements as to services etc.
15 Orders defining terms for purposes of section 14.
Prohibition of importation of certain goods
16 Prohibition of importation of goods bearing false indication of origin.
17 Restriction on importation of goods bearing infringing trade marks.
Provisions as to offences
18 Penalty for offences.
19 Time limit for prosecutions.
20 Offences by corporations.
21 Accessories to offences committed abroad.
22 Restrictions on institution of proceedings and admission of evidence.
23 Offences due to fault of other person.
Defences
24 Defence of mistake, accident, etc.
25 Innocent publication of advertisement.
Enforcement
26 Enforcing authorities.
27 Power to make test purchases.
28 Power to enter premises and inspect and seize goods and documents.
29 Obstruction of authorised officers.
30 Notice of test and intended prosecution.
31 Evidence by certificate.
Miscellaneous and supplemental.
32 Power to exempt goods sold for export, etc.
33 Compensation for loss, etc. of goods seized under s. 28.
34 Trade marks containing trade descriptions.
35 Saving for civil rights.
36 Country of origin.
37 Market research experiments.
38 Orders.
39 Interpretation.
40 Provisions as to Northern Ireland.
41 Consequential amendments and repeals.
42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43 Short title and commencement.
SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 1CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS
1In section 1 of the Anglo-Portuguese Commercial Treaty Act 1914...
2In section 1(1) of the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty Act 1916 for...
3In section 4(2) of the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking)...
4. . . . . . . . . ....
SCHEDULE 2
. . . . . . . . . ....

Trade Descriptions Act 1968

1968 c.29

An Act to replace the Merchandise Marks Acts 1887 to 1953 by fresh provisions prohibiting misdescriptions of goods, services, accommodation and facilities provided in the course of trade; to prohibit false or misleading indications as to the price of goods; to confer power to require information on instructions relating to goods to be marked on or to accompany the goods or to be included in advertisements; to prohibit the unauthorised use of devices or emblems signifying royal awards; to enable the Parliament of Northern Ireland to make laws relating to merchandise marks; and for purposes connected with those matters.

Annotations:
Commencement Information
I1

Act wholly in force at 30.11.1968 see s. 43(2).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1

Words of enactment omitted under authority of Statute Law Revision Act 1948 (c. 62), s. 3

C2

Act modified by S.I. 1977/1140, reg. 12(2)

C4

Act restricted by Energy Conservation Act 1981 (c. 17, SIF 44:3), s. 19(2)

Act restricted by S.R. 1987/407, reg. 10

Act restricted (6.11.1995) by S.R. 1995/382, reg. 9