Trading Standards launch doorstep and distance selling business advice survey

23rd July 2014

New rules that apply to business activities in an off-premises contract, such online sales, mail order, telephone sales and agreements made in a consumer's home came into force on 13th June 2014.

These new Regulations cover sales of goods and digital content and the supply of services and may affect a large proportion of Highland businesses involved home improvements, gardening and trades like plumbing, electrical, joinery, and painting as well as those Highland based businesses who regularly sell goods and services online by telephone or by mail order.

The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (CCICAC Regs 2013) introduce new obligations on traders to provide pre-contract advice to prospective customers in a durable format (e.g. by email or in writing). Businesses are also required to inform prospective customers of their right to cancel as in some instances consumers are entitled to a 14 day cooling off period, in order to allow them an opportunity to change their mind.

It is a criminal offence in an off-premises contract, if the consumer is not provided with:

- relevant information on cancellation rights;

- who pays for returns and cost of cancelling a service contract

and such a breach may result in a maximum fine of £5,000 being imposed.

Failure to comply with the other provisions of the 2013 Regulations may be offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Non-compliance with the above legislation may also result in the consumer not having to pay for goods, services or digital content contracts, which will impact severely on the economic livelihood of the business concerned and consumers will also have their cancellation period extended to a maximum of twelve months if a business fails to provide a written notice of cancellation when an off-premises contract has been agreed by both parties.

Highland Council Trading Standards are keen to ensure that all Highland businesses that may be affected by these new rules are aware of their obligations and receive appropriate guidance on how to comply.

Highland Council Trading Standards are launching two self-assessment questionnaires relating to off premises contracts (distance sales and doorstep sales) for businesses affected to complete which can be downloaded from Highland Council website:

Legal compliance assessment form for distance selling Distance Selling Survey 2014"
http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/11285/legal_compliance_assessment_form_for_distance_selling

Legal compliance assessment form for off-businesses premises (doorstep selling) Doorstep Selling Survey 2014"
http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/11286/legal_compliance_assessment_form_for_off%E2%80%93businesses_premises_doorstep_selling

Appropriate guidance for businesses can be found at: CCICAC regulations-guidance.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/310044/bis-13-1368-consumer-contracts-information-cancellation-and-additional-payments-regulations-guidance.pdf
or the Trading Standards Institute website at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/advice-business.cfm

Businesses can also contact Highland Council's Trading Standards directly either in person or in writing at: The Highland Council Trading Standards, Development & Infrastructure Service, 38 Harbour Road, Inverness IV1 1UF or speak to an advisor on 01463/228700 (Mon to Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm)

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

What Changes in Highland Today? New Rules for Private Hire Drivers and a Fresh Garden Waste Year

For most people in Highland, 1 September is simply the start of another month.  But today also marks the beginning of two changes introduced by Highland Council which will affect different groups of residents.  

Today : Local Authority

 
Candidates for Highland Council Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness By-Election confirmed

Following today’s deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm the details of the 5 candidates that are standing in the Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness by-election.  There are 5 candidaes.  

31/8/2026 : Local Authority

Head Teacher at Thurso High School, outlined measures that have helped improve educational outcomes

Highland Council’s strategy to raise attainment in the region is making good progress, with encouraging early data emerging from this year's examination results.   Last week councillors on the education committee noted the work undertaken in Highland Council's Education and Learning Improvement Plan (ELIP) and the associated Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy (RAAS).  

28/8/2026 : Local Authority

Council Funded Advice services assist 25,000 customers and exceed £30.3 million in financial gains

Almost 25,000 customers were assisted by the Council’s Welfare Support Team and Citizens Advice during 2025/26 for support with welfare, debt and housing issues.   As a result, financial gains for clients exceeded £30.3 million, representing a £18.84 return for every £1 allocated to these services by the Council.  

28/8/2026 : Local Authority

 
Do We Need a New Kind of Cemetery? Could Highland's Greenspaces Help Make Funerals More Affordable?

There may be no more appropriate time to ask Highland Council whether we need to rethink the way we remember those who have died.   The Council has just launched a six-week consultation on its draft Greenspace Biodiversity Management Strategy 2026-2030.  

26/8/2026 : Local Authority

The Triple Squeeze: Energy, Mortgages and Council Tax — How Much More Can Households Take?

There is a point at which individual increases in household costs stop being individual problems and become something much bigger.   A £100 increase in the annual energy bill may be manageable.  

24/8/2026 : Local Authority

Thurso Schools: Public Meeting and Statutory Consultation – Key Dates

Highland Council has now formally launched its statutory consultation on proposals to replace Thurso High School and reorganise primary school provision in the town.   The consultation concerns the proposed relocation of Thurso High School, Pennyland Primary School and Miller Academy Primary School to a new education campus based around the existing Thurso High School site and the proposed Community Point of Delivery.  

21/8/2026 : Local Authority

Public consultation to help shape future policy protecting Highland's dark skies

Councillors have approved the launch of a public consultation on draft guidance aimed at reducing light pollution across the Highlands, supporting environmental protection, public wellbeing and the area's internationally recognised dark skies.   Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee yesterday (Thursday 20 August) agreed to publish the draft Reducing Light Pollution: Good Practice Guidance for consultation, once minor clarifications are included, giving residents, communities, businesses and developers the opportunity to help shape future policy.  

21/8/2026 : Local Authority

Highland bus service improvement plans

The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee has endorsed plans to launch a 12-week public consultation on a proposed Highland Bus Service Improvement Partnership (BSIP), giving communities, passengers and stakeholders the opportunity to help shape the future of bus services across the region.   The consultation will seek views on draft proposals developed by The Highland Council in partnership with HITRANS and bus operators to improve the operational performance, accessibility, attractiveness and consistency of bus services across Highland.  

19/8/2026 : Local Authority

Demand for social housing remains high across Highland Butit is part of a biggr Scottish Problem

Demand for social housing across the Highlands remains high, with almost 8,826 households on the Highland Housing Register (HHR).   Housing and Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “The demand for social housing across Highland remains significant and continues to outstrip the number of homes available in many areas.