New consumer protection laws prohibit misleading and aggressive commercial practices

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 came into force on 26 May 2008, implementing an EU Directive. The regulations aim to clamp down on unfair sales and unfair market practices, such as aggressive sales tactics and false claims, in order to protect consumers and honest businesses. The regulations apply to businesses in all sectors that promote or sell to consumers, or whose practices may otherwise affect consumers. Trading standards officers will be policing the new regulations. Failure to comply is a criminal offence which could result in financial penalties and/or two years in prison.