Partner Article

Consumer Rights Directive to help “fair” traders

The Government are set to publish new measures to deliver clarity on consumer rights, in a move designed to boost the confidence of consumers and businesses.

The Consumer Rights Directive, as agreed by the European Commission last year, focuses on bringing transparency to consumer rules.

It also aims to help traders who treat consumers “fairly”, by making sure they are not disadvantaged by those who use less transparent practices to lure consumers to less competitive offers.

Consumer Affairs Minister Norman Lamb has said: “This is an area where Europe can make a big impact on our day to day lives. Many people will have been ripped off at some point by hidden online charges while booking a holiday, premium rate helplines when returning a purchase or disproportionate and often unexpected charges for paying with credit or debit cards.

“The Consumer Rights Directive will put an end to certain bad business practices and help consumers make well-informed decisions when buying products or services. It will also boost business confidence, setting out clearer rules and responsibilities and cutting red tape by reducing compliance costs.”

The Directive sets out provision on information to be given before a consumer makes a purchase on, and away from, the trader’s premises; cancellation rights and responsibilities; delivery times; post-contract customer helplines; additional payments which would need express consent of the consumer; and fees.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .