Over the next 12 months a new consumer law, the Consumer Rights Act, will replace the Sale of Goods Act for consumer transactions. Under the new law, as currently, goods will need to be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. If they are not, the consumer is entitled to a refund, replacement or repair, depending on the circumstances.
A new short-term right to reject will also be introduced, giving consumers a fixed period of 30 days after purchase to get a full refund for most returned faulty goods. After that consumers are still entitled to have faulty goods repaired or replaced, but the new law will say that they will only have to accept one repair, or one replacement, before they can get a refund. This should help consumers avoid getting stuck in a loop of failed repairs.
The new Act will also improve the consumer’s rights when it comes to digital content, such as music and e-books that are downloaded on-line. This Act will state that digital content should be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and sold as described, and similar remedies are available if these standards are not met.
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