Consumers protected.
Companies that offer goods or services over the internet could face criminal prosecution if they fail to introduce new EU consumer protection regulations. The warning came from commercial law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain, which said the new measures include giving consumers the right to withdraw from distance contracts within seven working days for any reason, without penalty. Failure to refund within 30 days could be a criminal offence and companies could be fined. The measure is part of the government’s proposals to implement the EU Distance Selling Directive, which must be brought in by 4 June.