11 April 2025
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) introduces significant changes to the UK's competition and consumer protection laws, with phased implementation starting from January 2025.
While primarily targeting digital markets, several provisions may impact businesses in the marine industry, especially those engaged in consumer-facing activities. The DMCCA will eventually revoke the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, as well as affecting some other legislation.
The regulations are an enhancement of the current consumer protection regulations which already ban certain practices so by and large if your are complying to the current regulations there will be very little you will need to do however there are now some additional changes which you need to be aware of.
Key Changes:
- Enhanced Consumer Protection: The DMCCA strengthens consumer rights by prohibiting unfair commercial practices such as fake reviews and drip pricing. Businesses must ensure transparency in pricing and authenticity in customer reviews to comply with these regulations.
- Subscription Contracts: For marine businesses offering subscription-based services, the Act introduces new rules requiring clear pre-contract information, advance renewal reminders, and straightforward cancellation processes. These measures aim to protect consumers from auto-renewal pitfalls and ensure informed consent.
- Strengthened Enforcement Powers: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) now possesses direct enforcement powers, enabling it to investigate and impose fines of up to 10% of global turnover for breaches of consumer law. This underscores the importance of compliance for all businesses, including those in the marine sector.
Implementation Timeline:
- January 2025: Parts 1, 2, and 5 of the DMCCA, focusing on competition regulations, came into force.
- April 2025: Parts 3 and 4, which enhance consumer protection, are scheduled to be implemented.
- Spring 2026: Reforms related to subscription contracts are expected to commence.
Further guidance can be found through the following:
- The legislation Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024
- CMA to boost consumer and business confidence as new consumer protection regime comes into force - GOV.UK
- Important changes to consumer law come into force | Business Companion
For further information please contact the British Marine technical team via technical@britishmarine.co.uk