Consumer contracts

Every time you sell something you make a contract with the consumer. If you supply goods, services or digital content to consumers, your business should be aware of the rules that apply when making a contract. 

Most consumer contracts are ruled by the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

The regulations cover rules on:

• the information you must give to customers before and after making a sale
• the rights of a consumer when they change their mind
• trader responsibilities on delivering goods
• seeking active consent for additional charges
• customer helplines charges

The Consumer Contracts Regulations do not cover all types of contracts businesses make with consumers. Contracts not covered include:

• Package holiday contracts.
• Financial services, such as insurance and banking (unless sold with other goods or services as ancillary contracts).
• Construction of new or substantially new buildings - for example, a barn conversion. Construction of extensions to new buildings will still be covered. 
• Residential lettings contracts (estate agency contracts for work in connection to the sale or letting of properties are still covered).
• Frequent supply of consumables by regular roundsmen - for example, milkman deliveries.
• Vending machine purchases.
• Payphones and internet café connections.
• Gambling contracts.
• Timeshare and long-term holiday products including resale and exchange. 

As a trader, you need to be aware of other responsibilities, and consumers' rights when supplying goods and services. Read guidance on customer protection and the Consumer Rights Act.

This guide helps you to understand the rules for providing consumers with contract information and providing consumers with the right to cancel a contract. It explains the different types of consumer contracts and also looks at exemptions from consumer contract rules.