A successful partnership between the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Trading Standards has resulted in the removal of 14 websites illegally advertising prohibited offensive weapons to UK consumers.

While the ASA is not a criminal enforcement body, we play an important role in identifying potentially unlawful advertising and ensuring that concerns are directed to the appropriate authorities. When advertising for prohibited weapons is brought to our attention, we can and will refer cases to enforcement partners, including local authority Trading Standards services, for further investigation and action.

In this case, when we took a close look at a website promoting prohibited weapons, including push daggers, our Compliance team quickly referred the matter to Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards authority via our legal backstop with National Trading Standards.

The referral triggered extensive investigative work by the National Trading Standards e-crime team, which resulted in the uncovering of a wider network of websites illegally marketing offensive weapons to UK consumers. Trading Standards' enforcement action led to 14 websites being taken down, preventing further unlawful advertising and sales.

This outcome highlights the value of collaboration between regulators and enforcement partners, helping to protect consumers, support compliance with UK law and reduce public access to prohibited weapons.

Victoria Bugler, Compliance Manager, ASA, said:

“The takedown of 14 illegal websites sends a clear message that businesses advertising or selling banned weapons to UK consumers will face action and demonstrates how coordinated efforts can effectively disrupt illegal activity and help keep the public safe.”

Wendy Martin, Director, National Trading Standards, said:

“This case is an excellent demonstration of how Trading Standards teams can work effectively with the ASA to address illegal website activities and protect our communities from harm.”