Since then, the UK has passed many of its own consumer laws ensuring that – whether you're stuck with a faulty car, an ill-fitting pair of jeans or an unresponsive retailer – you have the right to redress when something goes wrong.
As the UK's consumer champion, Which? helps consumers understand and enact these rights when companies don't play fairly.
On this year's World Consumer Rights Day, we look at the five most common consumer bugbears from Which? readers, and how to take action.
1. What do I do if I have a faulty product?
Perhaps your TV no longer turns on or your new dishwasher has packed up after just a few months.
Dealing with a defective product is surely one of the most vexing consumer gripes – and it's the issue we're contacted about most frequently.
If you notice the fault within 30 days, you can ask the retailer for a full refund, repair or replacement. Or if you spot the problem after 30 days and within six months, you have to give the retailer one opportunity to repair or replace the item before you can get your money back.
After the first six months, the onus is on you to prove a fault was present at the time of purchase.
You have up to six years to take a claim to the small claims court for faulty goods in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and five years in Scotland.
Find out more:2. The car I bought has a problem, what are my rights?
Issues with faulty cars – whether they're brand new or second-hand – have proven notoriously difficult to resolve among Which? readers.
Your rights to a refund, repair or replacement will differ depending on where and when you bought your vehicle.
If you bought your car from a dealer, your faulty goods rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 will still apply.
But if you bought your car from a private seller, your rights aren't quite as robust. The seller isn't under any legal obligation to declare the condition of the car to you when buying, and you won't be able to claim for repairs.
However, if the private seller untruthfully answers any questions you ask about the car, or misrepresents the car in any advert or when they speak to you, a claim for misrepresentation may arise, allowing you to rescind the contract.
Find out more:3. How do I use chargeback or Section 75?
Find out more:
4. I want to return my goods, what are my rights?
Your rights to return unwanted items depend on whether you shopped online or in-store.
The retailer than has 14 calendar days to refund you after receiving the returned order. It must also refund the standard delivery cost you paid to get the goods sent to you in the first place.
Your rights are different for in-store purchases. Shops aren't required by law to have a returns policy for unwanted items, but many do choose to provide a 'goodwill' returns window (typically around 28 days).
For faulty products, your consumer rights remain the same for online and in-store purchases.
Read more:5. My flight was delayed or cancelled – can I get compensation?
If your flight's delayed – or worse, cancelled – knowing what compensation you're due isn't always clear. Which? helps consumers calculate and claim what they're owed for free.
If you're travelling with a non-EU-based airline flying from a non-EU destination, the airline doesn't have the same duty to look after you. You'll want to check the airline's Conditions of Carriage to see what compensation you're entitled to.
Find out more:source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/top-5-consumer-rights-problems-you-ask-which-a94PF4k0DuWf