Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 (Distance Selling) vs Consumer Rights Act 2015
The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (CCR 2013) give consumers a 14-day right to cancel distance and off-premises contracts. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA 2015) gives statutory rights to goods and digital content that are of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. This comparison explains when each applies and the remedies available.
Overview
Consumer protection law in England and Wales draws on two overlapping frameworks that serve different purposes. The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/3134), which implemented the EU Consumer Rights Directive, give consumers a 14-day cooling-off period for contracts concluded at a distance (online, telephone, mail order) or off-premises (doorstep sales). The right to cancel arises regardless of whether the goods are faulty — it is a general right of withdrawal. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA 2015) — which consolidated and updated the Sale of Goods Act 1979, the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, and the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 — gives consumers statutory quality rights: goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for particular purpose, and as described (CRA 2015 ss.9–11). The 30-day short-term right to reject (CRA 2015 s.22) allows a full refund if goods breach any of these rights within 30 days of delivery. After 30 days, the consumer is entitled to a repair or replacement as a first remedy, with a price reduction or final right to reject available thereafter.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 (14-Day Cooling-Off)
Pros
- No need to show the goods are faulty — the right to cancel is unconditional during the 14-day period
- Applies to the vast majority of online, telephone, and doorstep sales — extremely broad scope
- Trader must refund within 14 days of cancellation — a strict and enforceable obligation
- If the trader failed to give the required cancellation information, the cooling-off period extends to 12 months and 14 days
Cons
- Only applies to distance and off-premises contracts — not shop purchases
- Consumer bears the cost of returning goods unless the trader agrees to pay
- Several exclusions: perishable goods, personalised goods, sealed audio/video/software once unsealed, accommodation, transport (CCR 2013 reg.28)
Best For
Any online, telephone, or doorstep purchase where the consumer wishes to return goods or cancel a service within 14 days for any reason — particularly where the goods are not faulty but simply unwanted.
Consumer Rights Act 2015 (Statutory Quality Rights)
Pros
- Applies to all consumer contracts for goods regardless of how purchased — including shop purchases
- 30-day short-term right to reject gives a full refund for faulty goods within 30 days without deduction
- Remedies available up to 6 years after purchase (limitation period) — not just for 14 days
- Unfair terms protection: contract terms that are not transparent and prominent are unenforceable (CRA 2015 ss.62–65)
Cons
- Requires the goods to be faulty — no right to return goods simply because the consumer changed their mind (except under CCR 2013 for distance sales)
- After 30 days: first remedy is repair or replacement — the consumer cannot demand an immediate refund
- After 6 months: burden of proof shifts to consumer to show fault was present at delivery
Best For
Goods or digital content that are faulty, not as described, or not fit for purpose — whether purchased in-store or online. The primary remedy for quality defects in consumer goods.
Key Differences
Our Recommendation
Use the CCR 2013 14-day cooling-off right to return unwanted goods bought online or at the doorstep without needing to show a fault. Use the CRA 2015 quality rights where the goods are defective, not as described, or unfit for purpose — whether purchased online or in-store. In many cases consumers can rely on both simultaneously: a faulty item bought online can be returned within 14 days under CCR 2013 for a full refund with no need to prove fault.