New consumer contract regulations were required to be enacted by the end of 2013, which will reform the law – and impose new requirements – on businesses selling goods.
New consumer contract regulations were required to be enacted by the end of 2013, which will reform the law – and impose new requirements – on businesses selling goods.
Retailers of all sizes need to be aware of the changes, among which are new rules regarding the information that must be provided to consumers prior to purchase, especially for online sales.
There is an extension of the cooling off period from seven to 14 days, a requirement that refunds are given within 14 days rather than 30, and a requirement for consumers to be provided with standard cancellation forms.
In addition, businesses trading with consumers face-to-face on a retailer’s premises will have to give consumers certain information prior to sale for the first time.
This can include the trader’s identity, any additional delivery charges and the total price of the goods or services.
Louise Taylor, senior associate at international law firm Taylor Wessing, says: “These changes are numerous, and will need to be reflected in each retailer’s terms and conditions.”
Taylor adds: “If a retailer fails to make the necessary changes to their operations, they may be faced with additional and unexpected costs, potential liability and may even find that consumers are not bound by contracts the retailer had thought were binding.”
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