The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (“DMCCA”) introduces significant new obligations for traders offering subscription-based products and services to consumers. The new regime is designed to give consumers greater control over subscriptions and make it easier to stop subscription contracts.
The new subscription contracts rules are now expected to come into force in January 2027, earlier than the previously anticipated deadline of spring 2027. The DMCCA establishes the framework for the new regime, but some of the detailed operational requirements will be set out in secondary legislation and supporting guidance. Traders should therefore monitor the final implementing legislation and guidance as well as beginning their compliance preparations now.