FAQs

The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 protects consumers when buying products online, over the phone, or in-store.

Traders must provide certain information to consumers, including:

1. Data concerning the goods or service sold - and the length of commitment

2. When the goods or services will be received and how they’ll be delivered

3. Who is responsible for paying for returns in the event of a cancellation

4. The total cost of said goods or services to consumers

5. The consumers’ right to cancel

This list isn’t limitless. See our Compliance Guide - Selling Online

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects purchases consumers make when buying goods or services online or in-store. The Act also applies to digital content.

All goods sold must be:

1. Fit for purpose - and fulfil consumers’ needs as stated at the point of purchase

2. Be in good condition and long-lasting - not damaged, faulty, or of poor quality

3. Be as described - whether on a website or as seen in-store before buying

The Act is complex, also encompassing how and when consumers should claim, how much time can elapse before returning a faulty product, and more.

Trading Standards is a government-run service that protects consumers from unfair trading practices. It is broken into a series of departments embedded within local authorities and deals with health and safety, environmental issues, licensing and other key areas.

Some of its duties include:

1. Prosecuting businesses that break the law

2. Investigating consumer complaints

3. Checking age limits are enforced

4. Monitoring product safety

Trading Standards enforce various acts and regulations and work with recognised official bodies - such as the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the Food Standards Agency - to protect consumers throughout the UK.

ISO 9001: 2015 is a Quality Management System (QMS). Its framework helps businesses worldwide improve products and services that meet consumers needs - and the needs of other relevant parties where applicable.

Unlike Trading Standards, ISO09001: 2015 doesn’t tell businesses and organisations what to do - nor does it enforce regulations. Instead, the standard is flexible and entirely optional - providing a series of guidelines designed to improve efficiency and consumer satisfaction.