Consumer Law – Competition and Markets Authority Investigations

Competition and Markets Authority investigations

This legislation will affect almost every organisation that sells to British consumers and potentially creates a compliance minefield. This regime enables the CMA to impose substantial fines and other measures without obtaining a court order if it reasonably suspects that consumers’ rights have been infringed. These fines and other measures can be substantial, and it is important that you seek advice early on.

With a maximum fine of £300,000 or 10% of your turnover, the stakes are high and there are additional penalties for failing to comply with investigations or supplying false or misleading information. Non-compliance with directives can lead to daily fines of £15,000 or 5% of your daily worldwide turnover, and fines can also be imposed on directors as individuals, so you cannot afford to take any risks.

If you believe you may be facing an investigation under the DMCC Act, please get in touch immediately and I will do my best to assist you. I also advise on overlap with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, including dispute strategy and settlement options.