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ARTICLE · 12 JANUARY 2026

The UK's New Subscription Contracts Regime: What, When And Why?

Travers Smith LLP
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Complex new rules governing consumer subscription contracts in the UK are expected to come into force in Autumn 2026.

United KingdomConsumer Protection
Louisa Chambers
Louisa Chambers
Richard Offord
Richard Offord
Jonathan Rush
Jonathan Rush
Ariana Shaw
Ariana Shaw
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Complex new rules governing consumer subscription contracts in the UK are expected to come into force in Autumn 2026. We explain what the legislation requires and what businesses should be doing to prepare.

NOTE: The subscription contracts regime is complex and this briefing is only a summary of the key requirements and key issues that businesses need to consider. It is not intended to provide a fully comprehensive guide to the legislation.

1. Why are subscription contracts being regulated – and what's the risk of failing to comply?

Many UK consumer-facing businesses use a subscription model and the market as a whole is estimated to be worth £1.6 billion a year. The UK Government decided to regulate because of concerns that consumers often forget what they've signed up for and don't realise when contracts have renewed, potentially locking them into purchasing goods or services they aren't always using for a significant period. The new regime is intended to

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