Consumer Protection
On 8 October 2008, the European Commission issued a proposed new Directive on Consumer Rights. The proposal is to have one set of rules across the European Union (EU) governing aspects of business to consumer contracts, whether conducted online, by other distance means or in a retail setting, including contract terms, the provision of information, delivery, cooling off periods and the right of withdrawal. The proposed Directive is the result of the Review of the Consumer Acquis which looked at consumer legislation throughout the EU. The Directive, if approved, will replace the current Directives on Doorstep Selling, Distance Selling, Unfair Consumer Contract Terms and Consumer Sales and Guarantees. The Department for Business, Enterprise, and Regulatory Reform has indicated that it will be issuing a consultation on the proposed New Directive in November. The DMA will be looking at this with a view to responding on behalf of members. The proposed new Directive can be found here. (Source: Direct Marketing Association - DMA) http://www.admar.co.ukhttp://www.admaronline.co.uk