Provisions in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 governing subscription contracts came into force in October 2026. Traders who sell subscriptions to consumers must now provide a cancellation mechanism that is at least as easy to use as the sign-up process. A trader who makes cancellation harder than sign-up commits an unfair commercial practice under The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
Additional requirements: traders must send a reminder notice before each renewal for contracts that renew annually or longer, and must confirm cancellation in writing within 24 hours. Consumers who did not receive the required reminder have a right to a refund of the last renewal payment. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published enforcement guidance and will prioritise complaints about subscription traps. Citizens Advice has updated its subscription cancellation guide to reflect the new rules.