Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013
In force since 13 June 2014
Agent Navigation: For section discovery, use /regulations/uk/consumer-contracts-2013/llms.txt
Quick Reference
The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 implement the EU Consumer Rights Directive in the UK. They govern distance contracts (online, phone) and off-premises contracts (doorstep selling), requiring pre-contract information and giving consumers a 14-day cancellation right.
Q: Do consumers have a right to cancel contracts made online or by phone? A: Yes. Consumers have a 14-day right to cancel distance contracts and off-premises contracts without giving any reason [Reg 29-30].
Key rule (Reg 29): The consumer may cancel a distance or off-premises contract at any time in the cancellation period without giving any reason and without incurring any liability.
Rule: Traders must provide specified pre-contract information clearly and legibly. Consumers get 14 days to cancel. Burden of proof is on the trader.
Applies to: Distance contracts (online, phone, mail order) and off-premises contracts (doorstep, trade fairs) between traders and consumers
Key rules:
- Pre-contract information must be provided before contract [Reg 9-14]
- 14-day cancellation period (starts when goods received) [Reg 30]
- Model cancellation form must be provided [Reg 13, Schedule 3]
- Refund within 14 days of cancellation notification [Reg 34]
- Digital content: consent to lose cancellation right [Reg 37]
| Question | Answer | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| How long to cancel? | 14 days from delivery/contract | Reg 30 |
| Must trader give cancellation form? | Yes, model form required | Reg 13 |
| When must refund be made? | Within 14 days of cancellation | Reg 34 |
| Who proves info was given? | Trader (burden of proof) | Reg 18 |
| Digital content special rules? | Yes, lose cancellation if started | Reg 37 |
| Who enforces? | Trading Standards / CMA | Reg 44-45 |
Regulation Map (All Chunks)
Definitions
Requirements
Enforcement
Related
- UK GDPR — Data protection in consumer transactions
- Consumer Rights Act 2015 — Goods, services, digital content quality
- EU Consumer Rights Directive — Source directive