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Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Kate Dearden (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Electronic Commerce

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, if they will make an assessment of companies charging for returns after customers have hit a certain return rate for purchased items.

Answer

Businesses are generally free to set their own commercial policies, including policies relating to product returns, provided these comply with consumer law. Some retailers may charge for returns due to the environmental impact of returning a product.

The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 provide for a 14 working days cooling-off period for distance contracts. If the retailer charges for refunds, they must make this clear to the consumer ahead of the transaction.

Where goods are faulty, traders must bear the reasonable costs of returning rejected goods as stipulated in the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
23575
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Consumers Electronic commerce Protection
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk