Distance Selling Regulations

This guide aims to provide businesses with a brief overview of the Distance Selling Regulations (DSRs). More detailed information can be found on the OFT website at :

http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/business_leaflets/general/oft698.pdf.

What are the Distance Selling Regulations ?

The Distance Selling Regulations (DSRs) are the rules that apply if you are selling products or services to consumers without face-to-face contact, and where the consumer has not had an opportunity to examine the goods before buying or discuss the service in person. Examples of distance selling include selling via: the internet, text message, phone call, fax and interactive TV or mail order.

One aim of the DSRs is to ensure a minimum level of consumer protection across the European Union (EU) although other EU countries may have implemented them differently. In non-EU countries you may need to take legal advice to ensure that you comply with the legal requirements. Compliance with the DSRs is a legal requirement and enforcement action can be taken in the courts against businesses that breach them.