The Distance Selling Regulations and the Doorstep Selling regulations have been replaced by The Consumer Contract Regulations. In brief, the new rules which were in force from 13th June, aim to provide consumers with greater protection when shopping online and to prevent retailers from charging customers for items that are added using a pre-ticked (negative option) box on a website. The regulations which apply to doorstep sellers, TV shopping and telesales also clarify what information must be provided to customers at the point of sale – including full contact details of the retailer, a full description of the product (or service) which the consumer is agreeing to buy, plus the total cost of that product, or order where it covers multiple items, and the delivery cost.
Consumers are also now allowed 14 days in which to cancel any order placed from a distance seller with the retailer now obliged to provide a refund within 14 days of cancellation or carrier receipt for the return of the goods. Further, telephone helpline numbers for customers calling about their orders must no longer be charged at premium rates.
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