New Consumer Protection Regulations - Traders Take Note

Suppliers of goods to the public should be aware that the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 came into effect on 13 June 2014.

The Regulations stipulate information that must be given to a consumer where a contract is made at the consumer’s premises, unless the contract is performed immediately, and make any of the required information supplied to the consumer a term of the contract.

Where the contract is concluded somewhere other than at the consumer’s premises, specified information must be given and a cancellation form must be provided if the contract contains a right to cancel.

There are specific provisions regarding the conduct of telesales calls and electronic contracts.

There are a number of other requirements imposed on traders, in particular as regards various ‘sharp practices’ such as ‘inertia selling’ (sending unrequested goods, followed by an invoice for the price of the goods if householders do not return them) and charging over the odds for calls to helplines. Traders should familiarise themselves with the legislation. Failure to comply can lead to a significant fine.

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.