Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (CCR) – A Comprehensive Guide for Consumers
The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (CCR) replaced the Distance Selling Regulations and were enacted on June 13, 2014. The objective of these regulations is to protect consumers who purchase goods or services online, over the telephone, through mail order, or through any other distance selling method.
These regulations apply to all business-to-consumer contracts that are made in the UK or other EU countries. The CCR also applies to contracts made outside of the EU if the business is targeting UK or EU consumers.
The regulations establish a set of rules that businesses must follow when selling goods or services to consumers. The CCR also gives consumers the right to cancel their order within a specific period of time and provides them with important information about the product or service they are purchasing.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 and how they affect consumers.
Information Requirements
The CCR requires businesses to provide consumers with important information before they make a purchase. The following information must be clearly communicated:
1. Product or Service Description – Businesses must provide a clear and concise description of the product or service offered.
2. Price – The total price of the goods or services, including any taxes or delivery charges, must be clearly displayed.
3. Delivery Time – The estimated delivery time of the goods or services must be provided.
4. Payment Method – The payment method must be explained, including any additional charges or fees.
5. Cancellation Rights – The consumer’s right to cancel the order must be explained, along with any conditions or restrictions.
6. Contact Information – The business must provide its contact information, including physical address, email address, and phone number.
Cancellation Rights
The CCR provides consumers with a right to cancel their order within 14 days of receiving the goods or services. If a consumer cancels the order, the business must refund the full price of the goods or services, including any delivery charges.
However, there are some restrictions to the right to cancel. For example, the right to cancel does not apply to goods or services that are:
1. Custom-made or personalized.
2. Sealed goods that cannot be returned once they are opened, such as CDs, DVDs, or software.
3. Unsuitable for return due to health or hygiene reasons, such as earrings or underwear.
Additional Charges
The CCR also regulates how businesses charge consumers for goods and services. The following rules apply:
1. A business cannot charge more than the advertised price.
2. Additional charges, such as delivery charges, must be clearly stated before the consumer makes the purchase.
3. Consumers must give their express consent before any additional charges are applied.
4. Businesses cannot add hidden charges to the final price.
Conclusion
The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 provide important protections for consumers who buy goods or services through distance selling methods. These regulations establish clear guidelines for businesses to follow and give consumers the right to cancel their order within a specific period of time.
If you are a consumer, make sure you are familiar with your rights under the CCR. If you are a business, ensure that you comply with these regulations to protect your customers and avoid any potential legal issues.
