The Consumer Rights Act 2015

What will it do?

• The Consumer Right Act 2015 regulates agreements between traders and consumers;  this includes contracts and terms of business.
• A trader is defined in the Act as a person acting for purposes relating to their trade, business, craft or profession including: 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 the consumer. 

Why was it introduced?

• Previous legislation, such as the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and the Sale of Goods Act 1979, was over 30 years old. The 2015 Act was designed to update and clarify the law.
• The advent of online trading and digital products generally meant there was a need for changes, the 2015 Act 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.