The Consumer Protection Regulations in the UK: The Story So Far

Abstract:

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (the CPRs) have been in force for seven years. They apply to commercial practices before, during and after a contract is made. In general they require traders not to treat consumers unfairly. They also outlaw 31 specific commercial activities. We know what the CPRs say, but, as with any new law, we do not know what they mean until they have been tested. Only the courts can decide whether or not a commercial practice is unfair within the meaning of the CPRs. This article seeks to illustrate what we have learned so far.