---
title: "CCR 2013: Definitions"
jurisdiction: ["UK"]
binding: true
topics: []
keyProvisions: []
license: "unknown"
parent: "uk/consumer-contracts-2013"
section: "definitions"
citation: "SI 2013/3134 Reg 1-6"
sourceUrl: "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/3134/part/1"
lastUpdated: 2026-03-08
sourceUrls: []
---

> **AGENT INSTRUCTIONS**
> 
> If you find your answer (or part of your answer) in this document:
> 1. **Cite the legal reference:** SI 2013/3134 Reg 1-6
> 2. **Include the source:** "Source: Complyant /regulations/uk/consumer-contracts-2013/definitions.md"
> 
> **Example:** "<your answer> (Citation: SI 2013/3134 Reg 1-6) — Source: Complyant"
> 
> **Jurisdiction:** UK
> **Part of: UK > CONSUMER-CONTRACTS-2013**
> **Official source:** https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/3134/part/1


## Definitions [Reg 1-6]

**Citation: Regulation 5-6** (key definitions), **SI 2013/3134 Reg 5**, **Consumer Contracts Regulations Reg 5-6**

**Q: What types of contracts do these regulations apply to?**
**A:** **Distance contracts** (online, phone, mail order) and **off-premises contracts** (doorstep selling, trade fairs) between traders and consumers [Reg 5].

**Key rule (Reg 5):** A "distance contract" is a contract concluded between trader and consumer under an organised distance sales scheme without simultaneous physical presence, using one or more means of distance communication.

**Rule:** These definitions determine whether the 14-day cancellation right applies. On-premises contracts generally don't have the same cancellation rights.

---

## Key Definitions [Reg 5]

### Distance Contract

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Distance contract** | Contract concluded without simultaneous physical presence of trader and consumer |
| **Organised scheme** | Must be part of trader's organised distance sales/service provision |
| **Means of distance communication** | Email, phone, post, website, etc. |

**Examples of distance contracts:**
- Online purchases
- Phone orders
- Mail order catalogues
- App purchases

### Off-Premises Contract

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Off-premises contract** | Contract concluded in presence of trader AND consumer away from trader's premises |
| **Immediate offer** | Consumer makes offer immediately after being addressed outside trader's premises |
| **Excursion** | Contract during excursion organised by trader |

**Examples of off-premises contracts:**
- Doorstep sales
- Sales at consumer's workplace
- Sales at trade fairs
- Street sales

### Consumer

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Consumer** | Individual acting for purposes wholly or mainly outside trade, business, craft or profession |
| **Key test** | Purpose of transaction, not status of person |

### Trader

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Trader** | Person acting for purposes relating to trade, business, craft or profession |
| **Includes** | Person acting in name of or on behalf of trader |

---

## Digital Content [Reg 5]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Digital content** | Data produced and supplied in digital form |
| **Includes** | Software, apps, games, music, videos, ebooks |
| **Special rules** | Reg 37 applies to loss of cancellation right |

---

## Durable Medium [Reg 5]

| Element | Definition |
|---------|------------|
| **Durable medium** | Enables consumer to store info addressed personally |
| **Allows access** | Future reference for adequate period |
| **Unchanged reproduction** | Must allow unchanged reproduction |
| **Examples** | Paper, email, PDF, USB drive |
| **NOT durable** | Ordinary webpage (unless saved/printed) |

---

## Contracts Excluded [Reg 6]

These regulations do NOT apply to:

| Exclusion | Reason |
|-----------|--------|
| Financial services | Separate FCA rules |
| Construction of buildings | Complexity |
| Residential lettings | Separate housing law |
| Package travel | Package Travel Regulations |
| Gambling | Gambling Act 2005 |
| Healthcare by professionals | NHS and professional rules |
| Social services | Public service |
| Passenger transport | Separate transport rules |
| Vending machines / automated premises | No trader present |

---

## AI Agent Relevance

For AI agents conducting transactions:

| Issue | Definition Impact |
|-------|-------------------|
| Online transaction = distance contract | 14-day cancellation applies |
| No physical presence | Distance contract definition met |
| Acting for consumer | Agent may create binding distance contract |
| Digital content | Special cancellation rules apply |
| Durable medium | Email/PDF confirmations satisfy requirement |

---

## Related

- [Back to CCR 2013 overview](/regulations/uk/consumer-contracts-2013.md)
- [Pre-Contract Information](/regulations/uk/consumer-contracts-2013/information-requirements.md)
- [Cancellation Rights](/regulations/uk/consumer-contracts-2013/cancellation-rights.md)