Guides to the new UK subscription rules
One question each, answered in plain English from the official sources, with every claim quoted and linked.
General information, not legal advice. Each guide shows when it was last checked against the official texts.
Do I have to let customers cancel online?
The Act says that where a subscription contract is entered into online, a trader's exit arrangements must let the consumer bring the contract to an end online. The draft guidance adds that the exit route does not have to match the sign-up route, but it must be straightforward.
Subscription cooling-off periods in the UK
The Act gives consumers a right to cancel a subscription contract during an initial cooling-off period and during a renewal cooling-off period, each lasting 14 days. For renewals, the trader must give the consumer a cooling-off notice, and the draft regulations extend the period if the required information is not given.
Do the new subscription rules apply to existing subscribers?
The draft guidance says the rules apply only to subscription contracts entered into from January 2027, so they are not retrospective. For an existing contract that renews onto a new term, the draft guidance repeats that the rules only apply to contracts entered into from January 2027, and describes giving all customers the same protections as best practice.
CMA fines for subscription businesses
The draft guidance says the CMA can investigate suspected breaches of the subscription rules itself and impose financial penalties of up to £300,000 or 10% of global turnover, whichever is higher. It says court-based enforcement is also open to public enforcers, and a separate criminal offence carries a fine.