Sydney Mitchell warns businesses to be vigilant when new sales regulations come into force on 13 June. It is essential that terms and conditions of sale contracts are changed to incorporate the changes.
All businesses that sell to consumers are advised to note the imminent changes coming into force of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Payments) Regulations 2013 with effect from 13 June 2014.
The changes to the area of law which is now covered by the Distance Selling Regulations will be of particular relevance to any businesses which sell to consumers on the internet, on the doorstep, by telephone or by mail order but may also be applicable to “on premises” sales.
The principal changes to be made to the law include:
-an extension of the cancellation period for distance and doorstep sales to 14 days after delivery of the goods or, in the case of a contract for services or provision of digital content, 14 days after the date of the contract;
- new requirements in relation to the instructions to be given to customers relating to their right to cancel including new model cancellation forms;
- a new requirement that, unless otherwise agreed, all goods must be delivered within 30 days;
- a shift of responsibility to the customer for the return of goods;
- a requirement that refunds are paid to the customer within 14 days of return of the goods (or of evidence of return); and
- new requirements relating to the information to be provided to the customer before the contract is made.
The above is only a brief summary of some of the main changes to the law. It does not identify all of the new legal requirements. Any business whose sales activities are covered by the new legislation will need to make appropriate alterations to their terms and conditions of sale and other sales documentation and processes tailored to their specific needs.
If further advice or assistance is required, please contact our Company Commercial department on the number above or fill in our online enquiry form.
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