Business consultation on new consumer protection laws

13 November 2008

Businesses are being to invited to share their views on plans to create a uniform set of consumer rights across Europe.

The new Consumer Rights Directive sets out proposals for harmonised rules in several consumer areas including protection against unfair contract terms and rules on faulty goods.

There are also new regulations covering online shopping, along with an extension of rights for consumers who buy from door-step sellers.

Specifically, the new consumer laws would provide a 14-day cooling-off period for purchases made online or on the door-step; consistent protection in the event of goods not being delivered; clearer rules on the responsibilities of both traders and consumers when goods are returned; and stronger protection for consumers buying at home from door-step sellers.

The proposal will also seek to create consistent rules on what rights consumers have when goods are faulty. In the UK, consumers have a legal right to reject faulty goods and ask for a refund. The European Commission is proposing a different system that would allow the trader to offer repair or replacement, with a refund only being legally required in a more limited range of circumstances.

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) said it will consult on the regulations until 2 February 2009.

To find out more about the DBERR’s consultation, you can go to:

http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/consumers/policy/eu/review/index.html