The UK government has set out planned rules for subscriptions under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This guide describes the plans as published. They are not in force yet.

This guide is based on the public sources listed at the end. We have not tested the products or services mentioned.

This is a short reference page. The full guide is Online Shopping Rights and Returns: UK, EU, US and Canada Compared.

Timing

The government response says it expects the new regime to start in spring 2027, only after secondary legislation passes, and it will publish business guidance. Check GOV.UK for the current status.

Planned protections

  • Clear pre-contract information.
  • Reminders, especially before a free trial or a contract of 12 months or more auto-renews.
  • A 14-day cooling-off period after signing up, and a second 14-day period after a trial or 12-month-plus contract auto-renews.
  • Canceling online if you signed up online. Terms that make canceling an auto-renewal unreasonably hard would be banned.
  • Refunds within 14 days to the original payment method.

Planned refunds

Returnable goods would be refunded on return. Perishable or bespoke goods would be refunded in full if canceled before supply. Services and digital content would be refunded in full if supply has not started, or proportionately if it has. If a trader fails to tell you about your cooling-off rights, the period can be extended (up to 12 months).

Some cultural and heritage memberships would be excluded.

What helps today

Screenshot the sign-up page and terms, note the renewal date, cancel before it and check your statement. See our free trial checklist.

Last checked: 15 October 2026. Sources: GOV.UK, government response to the consultation on the new subscription contracts regime.