consumer rights legislation

CONSUMER RIGHTS
LEGISLATION
TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ACT (1968)
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Can’t say your product is something it is
not.
E.g September 2005 Marks and Spencer
were fined £10,000 for claiming that a
men’s range was from Italy when it
wasn’t.
CONSUMER CREDIT ACT (1974)
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Protects customers who buy now and pay
later
Customer must get written details.
Consumer should be aware of how the
repayments were calculated and details of
the repayment dates and how to repay
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Consumers are also allowed a 30 day
cooling off period.
The government is in the process of updating this piece of legislation.
Read the following article:
New Consumer Credit Law
SALE OF GOODS ACT (1979)
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Includes some amendments:
Sale and Supply of Goods Act (1994) and
Sale of Goods (Amendment) Act (1995)
This legislation applies to both new and
second-hand goods.
Protects consumers by ensuring that:
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goods are of a “satisfactory quality” – last
a length of time and no defects.
goods are as “described” – honestly
described and advertised
fit for purpose – products must do as they
say
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If a consumer buys something that does
not meet any of these conditions they
have a right to demand their money back
from the person or shop they bought it
from.
They do not have the right to get the
money back from the manufacturer.
CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT (1987)
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Ensures that prices are accurately
displayed in a shop, catalogue or advert
Cannot knowingly sell unsafe goods.
Goods should also comply with general
safety requirements.
THE CONSUMER PROTECTION (DISTANCE
SELLING) REGULATIONS (2000)
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These regulations are designed to protect
consumers who purchases products
without actually seeing the seller.
This could be on-line, by telephone, fax,
mail order or television.
Consumers are entitled to:
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clear written information on the product before placing
an order
A “cooling off period” of five days, during which the
consumer can cancel
A full refund if the products are not provided by the
agreed date or within 30 days
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Protection against credit card fraud
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Read the following article
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Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations