Too many businesses are unaware that they should be complying with regulations that give extra protection to home shoppers, according to the UK's Office of Fair Trading. It yesterday launched a campaign to raise awareness of the Distance Selling Regulations.

The Regulations came into force on 31st October 2000 and gave new rights to consumers who buy on-line or via digital TV, mail order, telephone or fax. According to a recent National Statistics survey, in 2003, 48% of UK households had access to the internet, with over 50% of adults buying goods and services on- line.

Where the Regulations apply, consumers have additional rights including rights to clear information, written confirmation of purchase and delivery details, a period of seven working days during which the order can be cancelled and a refund claimed, and protection against fraudulent use of a credit card.

The DSRs apply to almost all types of distance shopping but there are exceptions: business to business (B2B) contracts, certain financial services, auctions, contracts for the sale of land, and vending machines.

Some parts of the regulations do not apply to: deliveries of food and beverages for everyday consumption, contracts for transport, accommodation, catering or leisure services provided on
specific dates or within specified periods, and timeshare and package holidays.

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