Overview of UK consumer law

Consumer protection laws have been created in order to ensure that there is fair trade completion and the free flow of information within markets. Laws are designed in order to protect different businesses and the prevent businesses from engaging in fraudulent activities and different practices that are deemed to give a business an unfair advantage over its competitors. Consumer protection laws are part of the government regulations and are therefore monitored by a governmental department; these are in place to protect both businesses and consumers. Consumer protection has generally been created in order to protect the rights of consumers and to restrict certain activities of businesses.

As the UK is part of the European Union the country is required to cooperate and adhere to the consumer protection directives that have been put in place by the EU. Domestic regulations are also in place within the UK but these incorporate different standards that have been adopted from the prescription made by the European Union.

Within the UK the regulating board for consumer protection is the Office of Fair Trading; this bard will regulate and follow up any complaints made by consumers or businesses.

When a consumer purchases goods within the UK they have certain rights that protect the consumer by law if the product or service is faulty or if it is deemed to have failed to meet certain standards. The protection in place for consumers is dependent upon the different prices or products that have been bought.

The law states that when a product is bought by a consumer that product must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If these descriptions are not met by the product that has been supplied then the consumer is legally in a position for a repair, replacement or refund.

In order to return a product to a shop the purchaser must have some form of proof of purchase, this may be a receipt, a bank statement, the shops packaging or a witness. Different shops have their own guidelines on the proof of purchase that will be accepted.

In some cases the consumer has the right to change their mind, this is usually within seven days of purchase. Consumers can ask for their money back if a product has been bought online, over the phone, by mail order or on the doorstep of their home.

Although in certain cases this right is not always relevant, this includes cases where products are personalized or made to order, are perishable, if the product is a newspaper or magazine, a financial product, or a CD, DVD or piece of software that has had its security seal broken.

In the first instance consumers are advised to make any complaints directly to the place of purchase. Although if this is unsuccessful consumers are advised to contact the Office of Fair Trading.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/index.htm