Maidenhead & Windsor

Maidenhead Royal Borough trading standards officers are getting out their shades and preparing for their annual summer sortie help guard the public against rogue traders and rip-off retailers and manufacturers who aim to fleece them while the sun shines.

Steve Johnson, Maidenhead trading standards manager, said: "When the sun's out and people are relaxed, it's a good time for the counterfeit brigade to try to palm off fake designer sunglasses, clothes and other seasonal goods – so we want to remind people of the dangers of being ripped off and to be sensible in the sun."

Maidenhead Trading standards SUN sense advice

SUN glasses
Second-rate fakes are often touted in streets, market places and shops. When the sun comes out, so do the criminals. How do you know you've got the real designer brand or a retail rip-off? The best sign is the price. If you're asked for £10 - £15 for a designer name pair, they are likely to be fake. Other signs include blurred printing on boxes or packaging, plain pouches/cases, poor finishing or quality. The lenses will not be as precisely prepared, likely to be plastic and may not offer the same levels of UV protection.

SUN cream
The best guide is the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) – the general rule is the higher the number, the longer you can stay in the sun before burning. Trading standards test that the SPF printed on bottles is accurate and ensure batch numbers, ingredients and manufacturer details are all present.

It is important to reapply sun cream regularly and especially after coming out of water. Some 'waterproof' creams have been known to cause skin irritations, so make sure you get a type that works well for your skin type.

SUN protection cover-ups
Maidenhead Trading standards officers often test the types of products that claim to protect you from the sun's harmful rays. The vast majority of what is available is absolutely fine – but this is only the case if you know how to use them and what all the labels mean.

The messages about sun protection have become very confusing and it is clear from trading standards' tests that some clothing and cover-ups that people could reasonably expect to protect them are actually providing very little protection. For example

* Some t-shirts tested had SPF as low as 7, which fell to SPF 4 when the t-shirt was wet
* A sarong had an SPF of 4
* A sun shelter offered less protection than factor 20 sun creams.

The main advice is to carefully read the labels and claims being made. If in doubt ask Maidenhead trading standards for advice on 01628 683802 or email trading.standards@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead