On 13 June, UK consumer laws are changing. The Consumer Protection (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 come into force on that day. The Regulations make changes to the information which retailers (both online and offline) must give to consumers both pre and post contract, introduce enhanced rights for consumers to cancel contracts, prohibit hidden additional charges and ban premium rate helplines. There are direct financial consequences for non-compliant retailers as they will be required to bear some costs usually carried by the consumer, such as the cost of returning goods after a contract is cancelled. Retailers must review their sales procedures to ensure they will be Regulation compliant after 13 June.
The Regulations implement the EU Consumer Rights Directive in the UK. All EU Member States are required to implement similar rules by 13 June.
We have produced a briefing note on some of the key changes that will impact on retailers of goods online. For more information, feel free to speak to your usual Squire Patton Boggs contact or any of the following individuals:
