Who can claim under the Consumer Protection Act 1987?
Asked by: Briana Douglas | Last update: February 21, 2026Score: 5/5 (2 votes)
Under the UK's Consumer Protection Act 1987 (CPA), anyone who suffers damage from a defective product can claim, not just the buyer, including users, bystanders, or even owners of damaged property, against the producer, importer, or supplier, provided the product is a "product" (goods/electricity) supplied in the course of business, and claims are generally for personal injury or property damage, excluding business losses, with specific rules for suppliers and limitations for buildings/land.
Who can claim under the consumer protection act?
S. 5 of the CPA restricts damage to death or personal injury, or any loss or damage to property which is for private use, occupation or consumption. 22 Non-consumers therefore can bring a claim for death or personal injury, but claims for damage to property can only be brought by consumers.
Who qualifies as a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act?
Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department. Definition of Consumer under the Act: A person who buys any goods or services for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised or under any system of deferred payment is a Consumer.
Who is covered by the consumer protection act?
Who does the CPA protect? The CPA protects all individual persons and small businesses with assets and turnover of less than R2 million. It protects juristic persons, such as companies, with assets and turnover of more than R2 million only in limited circumstances.
What does the Consumer Protection Act 1987 cover?
An Act to make provision with respect to the liability of persons for damage caused by defective products; to consolidate with amendments the Consumer Safety Act 1978 and the Consumer Safety (Amendment) Act 1986; to make provision with respect to the giving of price indications; to amend Part I of the Health and Safety ...
Consumer Protection Act 1987
Which is not covered under the consumer protection act?
When we talk about 'service' under the Consumer Protection Act, we take it as a regular commercial transaction. Thus the services rendered under the contract of personal service are specifically excluded from the definition. The expression 'contract of personal service' is not defined under the Act.
What falls under consumer protection?
Consumer protection laws safeguard buyers of goods and services from deceptive, unfair, or fraudulent practices. Historically, under the common law doctrine of caveat emptor (“let the buyer beware”), consumers had little recourse against misleading or one-sided sales.
Can you get a refund under consumer law?
Customers have exactly the same rights to refunds when they buy items in a sale as when they buy them at full price. It's illegal to restrict or take away customers' rights or to mislead them about their rights, for example by displaying a sign that says you do not accept returns or offer refunds.
What are the 5 key consumer rights?
Five key consumer rights are the Right to Safety (protection from harmful goods), the Right to Be Informed (accurate product info), the Right to Choose (variety at competitive prices), the Right to Be Heard (complaints addressed), and the Right to Redress (compensation for wrongs). These rights ensure fair treatment and empower consumers to make informed decisions and seek resolution for issues, stemming from the original "Consumer Bill of Rights" proposed by President John F. Kennedy.
Can you sue a company for poor service?
Yes, it is possible to sue a business for bad customer service, but the case needs to involve more than mere dissatisfaction with the service. There must be a violation of a legal duty or right, such as false advertising, breach of contract, discrimination, or other illegal practices.
What are the 4 rights of a consumer?
The four foundational consumer rights, established by President John F. Kennedy, are the Right to Safety, Right to be Informed, Right to Choose, and Right to be Heard, protecting consumers from hazards, ensuring access to information, promoting market competition, and providing a voice for consumer concerns, respectively. These core rights form the basis for broader consumer protection laws worldwide, with later additions including rights to redress, education, and a healthy environment.
Can I return faulty goods for a full refund?
Most retail stores allow you to return things you buy within a reasonable time for a full refund, credit, or an exchange. When a store clearly displays a limited or no-refund policy, however, refunds and exchanges are not required by law.
What are examples of consumer protection?
According to Consumer Right 2015 consumers can pursue these matters via the small claims court:
- Being sold faulty electrical goods.
- Non-delivery of goods bought online.
- New motor vehicles which are defective.
- Dispute over insurance claims or coverage.
- Law quality work from tradesman (plumbers, electricians, builders)
What can I claim compensation for?
This could be for:
- personal injury.
- losses from theft or damage to property.
- losses from fraud.
- being off work.
- medical expenses.
- travel expenses.
- pain and suffering.
- loss, damage or injury caused by a stolen vehicle.
Who does the consumer rights act cover?
This legislation only protects the consumer when they are dealing with a Trader, defined as “a person acting for purposes relating to that person's trade, business, craft or profession, whether acting personally or through another person acting in the trader's name or on the trader's behalf”.
Who is not eligible to be a consumer as per the Consumer Protection Act 2019?
Key features of the Bill include: Definition of consumer: A consumer is defined as a person who buys any good or avails a service for a consideration. It does not include a person who obtains a good for resale or a good or service for commercial purpose.
What are common consumer rights violations?
Some common illegal practices include: Repeated or excessive phone calls. Threatening arrest or legal action they cannot take. Contacting you at work after being told to stop. Failing to verify the debt upon request.
What are the 7 rights of a consumer?
the right to safety; the right to be informed; the right to choose; and the right to be heard. The International Organisation of Consumer Unions has since added four more rights: the right to redress; the right to satisfaction of basic needs; the right to consumer education; and the right to a healthy environment.
What are the 9 consumer rights?
The purchased goods and services availed of should not only meet their immediate needs, but also fulfil long term interests. Means right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.
What do I do if a company won't refund me?
If a company won't refund you, first formally contact them again, then dispute the charge with your bank/card issuer, and if needed, escalate by filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), your State Attorney General, and the FTC, or consider small claims court for larger amounts.
On what grounds can a customer ask for a refund?
If a product or service is faulty, broken or not as described, depending on the problem, you may have the right to a refund, repair or replacement.
Which is not covered under consumer protection?
Goods/Services received for free: No rights under the Act for defective goods or services received without charge. Commercial purchases: Goods or services purchased for business or resale purposes do not qualify for protection under the Act.
How can I file a complaint against a company?
To file a complaint against a company, first try resolving it directly, then escalate to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or your State Attorney General, and consider federal agencies like the FTC or CFPB for specific issues like scams or financial services, providing detailed documentation to support your case.
What are the 4 needs of consumer protection?
These include the right to safety (protection against products that pose health or safety hazards), the right to be informed (access to accurate information needed to make informed choices), the right to choose (access to a variety of products and services at competitive prices), and the right to be heard (assurance ...