From 13 June 2014 retailers who sell to consumers (including those selling digital content) must comply with the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (the Regulations).
The Regulations supersede The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 and The Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer's Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008.
Virtually all retailers will be affected by the Regulations. Some of the key rules being introduced are:
- consumers will be entitled to clearer and more prominent information before and after a sale is made to them
- if the consumer is buying digital content, they must have more information about such issues as compatibility and functionality and the fact that a digital download may not have a cancellation period must be made clear to the consumer at the point of sale and the consumer must agree to this
- the cancellation period for distance and doorstep sales will be increased from 7 to 14 days
- forbidding the use of premium rate customer telephone helplines.
It is clear that the Regulations will have a significant impact on almost all areas of a business including its website, marketing literature and terms and conditions. It is also clear that retailers will have to train all of their staff to ensure full compliance. This is important because a failure to comply with the Regulations can lead to prosecution and the consumer may be able to cancel the contract and possibly even keep goods already supplied.
For a link to the Regulations go to Regulations
If you would like advice on the Regulations contact us.