What will it do?
The new Consumer Rights Act 2015 regulates agreements between traders and consumers.
A trader is defined in the Act as a person acting for purposes relating
to their trade, business, craft or profession, this includes individuals such
as professionals and sole traders. A
consumer is defined in the Act as an individual person acting for purposes which
are wholly or mainly outside that individual's trade, business, craft or
profession.
The Act aims to protect consumer rights and provide the consumer with
more remedies. Traders who do not adhere to the Consumer Rights Act 2015 could
potentially leave themselves exposed to a claim by a consumer.
Why is it being introduced?
Much of the existing legislation is over 30 years old. The aim of the Act is to update and clarify
the law.
At the same time, online trading has come to the fore and there are more
digital products. The 2015 Act takes
this into account and modernises the law.
When did it come into force?
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 came into force on 1 October 2015.
If you are a trader and you want to update agreements with your consumers,
for example contracts or terms and conditions, or if you want any further
information regarding The Consumer Rights Act 2015 then please do not hesitate
to contact me.
Attila Hunter,
Solicitor in the Corporate and
Company Commercial department.
