Consumer protection law for businesses
Information for businesses and legal advisors on the UK's new consumer protection regime, and what you need to do to comply with the law.
Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has the ability to deliver effective, proportionate consumer protection. We can now act more swiftly, and more directly, so consumers are protected and the minority of businesses infringing the law are held to account.
We aim to:
- secure quicker outcomes both for businesses and consumers
- create a supportive environment for businesses doing the right thing with fairer outcomes
- give greater certainty and clarity for innovative businesses through additional guidance
We will use the new consumer protection regime to help grow the economy by promoting consumer trust and confidence, while deterring poor corporate practices.
We recently announced our 4Ps approach, designed to enhance business and investor confidence. We will embed pace, proportionality, predictability and process into our approach.
Find out more at the CMA’s approach to consumer protection webinar on 23 April 2025.
Consumer protection in the UK: for consumers and businesses
Consumer protection in the UK: for consumers and businesses
Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA, explains the new consumer protection regime under the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act and what the changes mean for businesses, consumers and the UK economy.
She also shares what the CMA is doing to support fair-dealing businesses to do the right thing, as well as our overall approach to implementing the new regime.
The new consumer protection regime
Information on how you must comply with the law.
Our approach document sets out our main areas of focus for consumer protection, both in terms of enforcement action and supporting businesses with compliance.
Our short guidance on what businesses need to know about unfair commercial practices will help businesses and legal advisors understand their responsibilities.
We have also published specific guidance on fake reviews, which includes a simple overview of responsibilities under consumer protection law.
Writing consumer contract terms
General guidance for businesses on complying with consumer law and making sure contract terms are fair.