Guidance
Selling goods and services: complying with consumer protection law
What your business needs to do to comply with the law when selling goods and services.
Complying with the law and treating consumers fairly
| Treating customers fairly | How to avoid unfair commercial practices |
| Identifying and preventing fake reviews | How to comply with the law on consumer reviews and review information |
| Writing a fair contract | How to make sure your business’ terms and conditions are fair |
| Accepting returns and giving refunds | When you must give refunds |
| Marketing and advertising | What you need to know about marketing and advertising |
The CMA helps people, businesses and the UK economy by promoting competitive markets and tackling unfair behaviour. Read more about the CMA and what we do.
Read more help topics for businesses.
Resources to help you sell goods and services
The CMA’s guidance helps businesses understand what they need to do to comply with consumer protection law. Other government departments have guidance that will help with further aspects of selling goods and services.
| Understanding VAT | What you need to know about VAT |
| Selling on a digital platform | What you need to tell digital platforms when selling online |
| Protecting data when selling goods | A-Z guide to what you need to do when selling goods and services |
| Setting up and running a small business | How to set up, your responsibilities and how to get help with your taxes |
| Finding your local Trading Standards office | Enter your postcode to find a Trading Standards office |
Updates to this page
Published 1 August 2025