The Price Marking Order 1999

Pricing Goods On Your Retail Premises

• What prices must be displayed?
• What are a 'selling' price and a 'unit' price?
• How must both prices be displayed?
• Are there any general exemptions to these rules?
• When should a 'unit' price be displayed?
• Are there any exemptions from 'unit' pricing?
• What about advertisements?

What prices must be displayed?

Where any product is, or may be for sale to a customer, a 'selling' price and/or a 'unit' price must be displayed. These rules only apply when a trader offers a product to a consumer.

What are a 'selling' price and a 'unit' price?

The 'selling' price means the final price of a product, or given quantity, including VAT and all other taxes. The 'unit' price means the final price, including VAT and all other taxes, for a kilogram, litre, metre, square metre of a product.

How must both prices be displayed?

The both prices must be in sterling, unambiguous, easily identifiable and clearly legible. They must be placed in close proximity to the goods to which they relates and placed so that customers will know what they are paying, without the need to ask.

Are there any general exemptions to these rules?

The only exemptions to this rule are:

1. Products that are supplied in the course of the provision of a service, and
2. Sales by auction of art or antiques.

Goods sold from bulk and advertisements are exempt from some price marking rules.

When should a 'unit' price be displayed?

The 'unit' price must be indicated for all products sold from bulk and generally for all prepacked goods that have to be marked with a quantity indication under the Weights and Measures Act 1985.

A price per kilogram, litre etc., must be indicated to customers. A price per pound may continue to be used alongside the price per kilogram, but the metric 'unit' price must predominate and the imperial 'unit' price shall be no larger than the metric 'unit' price.

Are there any exemptions from 'unit' pricing?

Traders are exempt from the requirement to 'unit price' when:

1. The 'unit' price is identical to the 'selling' price,
2. The usual price of the product has been reduced because it is damaged or it has deteriorated,
3. The product comprises of an assortment of different items sold as a single package, and
4. The product is pre-packed in a constant quantity and sold:
   
   i) In a small shop, which has a 'relevant floor area' not exceeding 280 square metres,
   ii) By market traders, stall holders, mobile sales units, etc, and
   iii) From a vending machine.

What about advertisements?

A 'selling' price need not be given in adverts that are made simply to promote the sale of a product. Catalogues, price lists, etc. are not classed as adverts and are required to indicate 'selling' prices.

The requirement to indicate a 'unit' price for specified products in an advert only applies if the 'selling' price has been indicated.

If a product is offered by means of an advert that is aural, broadcast on television or at the cinema, then there is no need to indicate a 'unit' price.

For specific information and assistance please contact the Trading Standards Service.

Contact Information
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