The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (CCRs) is a set of rules that govern the sale of goods and services to consumers in the UK. This regulation was introduced to help protect consumers and ensure that they are fully informed about their rights and obligations when entering into a contract with a business.

The key provisions of the CCRs cover information provision requirements, cancellation rights, and additional charges. Let`s take a closer look at each of these provisions.

Information Provision Requirements

Under the CCRs, businesses have a legal obligation to provide consumers with clear and concise information about the goods or services they are offering. This includes information about the main characteristics of the product, the total price, the delivery costs, and the payment methods. This information must be provided in a manner that is easily accessible, and the consumer must be made aware of any additional costs, such as taxes or duties, that may apply.

Cancellation Rights

The CCRs also give consumers the right to cancel a contract for the purchase of goods or services within 14 days of receiving the product or entering into the contract. The consumer does not need to provide a reason for canceling, and the business must refund any payments made within 14 days of receiving the returned goods or being informed of the cancellation.

Additional Charges

The CCRs also regulate the use of additional charges by businesses. Businesses must not charge consumers more than the advertised price for a product or service, and any additional charges, such as delivery fees, must be clearly disclosed at the time of purchase. Additionally, businesses must not use premium rate phone numbers for customer service or cancellation purposes.

Enforcement of the CCRs

Enforcement of the CCRs is the responsibility of the UK government`s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA has powers to investigate and take legal action against businesses that breach the regulations, including imposing fines and seeking injunctions.

Conclusion

The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (CCRs) are an important set of regulations that help protect consumers when they enter into contracts with businesses. By providing consumers with clear and concise information about goods and services, giving them the right to cancel within a set period, and regulating the use of additional charges, the CCRs aim to promote fair and transparent business practices. As a professional, it is important to ensure that content related to the CCRs is accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible to consumers.