What are the Consumer Contracts Regulations?

On 13 June 2014, the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulation 2000 and the Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer's Home or Place of Work, etc Regulations 2008 were revoked and placed with the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

Amongst other things, the Regulations set out:

  • the information a trader must give to a consumer before and after making a sale;
  • the right for consumers to change their minds when buying at a distance or off-premises;
  • delivery times and passing of risk; and
  • a ban on consumers having to pay more than the basic rate for post-contract customer helplines.

Where goods are faulty or not fit for purpose or as described, consumers have different rights depending on where and how they purchased the goods.