Draft Consumer Rights Bill cautiously welcomed by So Jewellery

The 117-page Draft Consumer Rights Bill brings together eight separate pieces of legislation that currently govern how businesses contract with consumers and what obligations are due to them.

It incorporates the introduction of a clear 30-day period to reject faulty goods, after which time consumers may demand a repair or replacement. Under the current law if a fault in a product develops after 30 days from the date of sale and the retailer is unable to provide a repair or replacement the consumer may require the retailer to refund the purchase price less an allowance for use. 

However, the brand points out that it can be notoriously difficult to value the use consumers have had from a piece of jewellery which they deem faulty, as it is dependent on how frequently items have been worn and how they have been cared for.

According to Emma Finney, So Jewellery’s marketing manager, “this would appear to remain a grey area and relies largely on good will on the part of the retailer and supplier.”

The Draft Bill directive has a deadline of 13 December 2013 for its incorporation into UK law.