 It was an Act by the Parliament of the United Kingdom which prevents manufacturers, retailers or service industry providers from misleading consumers as to what they are spending their money on.  This law empowers the judiciary to punish companies or individuals making false claims about the products or services that they sell.

 The Trade Description Act 1972 was brought in to protect the trade industry by prohibiting the inaccurate description of goods and services, and the use of false trade descriptions.  A trade description is an indication, direct or indirect, and by whatever means given, of the description of goods e.g; quantity, size or gauge;. method of manufacture, production, processing or reconditioning;. fitness for purpose, strength, performance, behaviour or accuracy;. And many other aspects.  The Act excludes matters relating to land and buildings, which are now dealt with under the provisions of the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991.

Makes it an offence if a trader:  Applies a false trade description to any goods.  Supplies or offers to supply any goods to which a false trade description is applied.  Makes certain kinds of false statements about the provision of any services, accommodation or facilities.

 Local Trading Standards Authorities are under a statutory duty to enforce the provisions of this Act.  The Act gives them power of entry, inspection and seizure to help them do it.