Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2019

The Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading (‘the OFT’) is a Statutory Board of the Isle of Man Government.  One of the functions of the OFT is to enforce consumer protection legislation.

The proposed Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2019 (‘the CPRs’) represented the most significant change in the Island’s consumer protection landscape in many years. 

We asked for input from consumers, businesses and the direct consultees listed below to help us to ensure that the proposed CPRs would put in place a modern, simplified and comprehensive consumer protection framework for dealing with sharp practices and rogue traders who deliberately set out to exploit weaknesses and loopholes in existing legislation.

Whilst it was a public consultation, the consultation document was sent directly to:-

• Tynwald Members;
• Attorney General’s Chambers;
• Local Authorities;
• Chief Executives of Government Departments, Boards and Offices;
• Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce;
• Isle of Man Law Society;
• Isle of Man Trades Union Council;
• Victim Support Isle of Man; and
• Manx Citizens Advice Service.

Please see the “Summary of Responses”.

Five responses were received in total, which was perhaps disappointing given the significance of the proposed CPRs.  Two respondents wished to remain anonymous and one response was received late.  The late response was not included in the “Summary of Responses” but was answered in due course. 

None of the respondents answered each question.  

Responses were received online via the Consultation Hub and by email.

The responses did not raise any insurmountable issues.

In the apparent absence of any insurmountable issues following the consultation exercise, the OFT was content to lay the CPRs before Tynwald on 15^th October 2019.  They subsequently came into operation on 30^th October 2019.