From 13 June 2014, the consumer rights landscape in Europe will change. The EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU) (the “CRD”) was introduced in 2011 with the aim of harmonising and simplifying consumer protection legislation in the EU. Incorporation of the CRD into national laws was required by 13 December 2013, and member states must apply the national laws implementing the Directive from 13 June 2014.

All businesses selling consumer products into the EU are affected by the changes required by the CRD and will need to take steps to ensure compliance with the new rules, if they have not already done so.