When selling online or by some other distance-selling method, there are several key sets of regulations you should be aware of.

The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations cover businesses that sell to consumers by mail order, phone, fax, over the internet or on digital TV.

Generally these regulations require you to:

provide consumers with specified information before they order

provide consumers with specified written information in a durable medium prior to the conclusion of a contract

send consumers an order confirmation - for services this should be provided in good time, and before the services finish

give consumers the right to a cancellation period

The Electronic Commerce Regulations place some similar requirements on businesses that sell or advertise products or services to businesses using the internet, email, interactive digital television or mobile-phone SMS text messages.

Other laws you must comply with

Remember you must still comply with a range of other laws on the supply of goods and services. In particular you must ensure:

products are exactly as you describe them under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations .

you provide specific information about your business, services and complaints procedures to service recipients in the UK and other European Economic Area countries under the Provision of Services Regulations .

You must also comply with privacy and data-protection law when contacting customers or processing any personal information about your customers.