New Consumer Protection Rules Introduced

The Consumer Protection Regulations came into effect on 26 May 2008 and are deigned to clamp down on those who use underhand sales and marketing practices to gain an unfair competitive advantage.

The OFT gives the following example of the information a customer needs to make an informed decision:

“A trader sells audio-visual equipment. He omits to inform the consumer that a particular product includes only an analogue tuner, and of the implications in the context of the switch from analogue to digital-only television. This is likely to be material information that the consumer needs to make an informed decision.”

A representative from the department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), said the new legislation represented “one of the biggest changes to consumer law in decades and will benefit honest businesses by simplifying consumer protection legislation.

“This will help to create a level playing field for the vast majority of businesses that do treat their customers honestly and fairly.”

Businesses will need to be aware of the new regulations to ensure that they are compliant. A booklet that explains the new legislation is available to download at: www.berr.gov.uk/files/file46035.pdf

Further information is available to retra members via the business advice line. Call Mike Floodgate at retra on 01234 269110 or email retra@retra.co.uk.

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