Your business obligations under Irish Consumer Protection Law
How does Consumer Protection Law apply to you and your business?
Consumer protection law in Ireland sets out clear responsibilities for businesses and safeguards for consumers. Whether you sell products, services, or digital content, you must comply with legislation. This includes being transparent in your dealings, avoiding misleading claims, and ensuring fair contract terms. The CCPC enforces these laws and can take action against non-compliant businesses.
What laws protect consumers in Ireland?
Irish consumer protection law ensures fair treatment for consumers and sets out obligations for businesses. The two key pieces of legislation are:
All businesses operating in Ireland must comply with these laws, and all other relevant legislation. If you are unsure about your legal responsibilities, you should seek independent legal advice.
What does the Consumer Protection Act 2007 mean for my business?
The Consumer Protection Act 2007 (CPA) applies to anyone acting in a professional capacity, including:
- Business owners
- Employees acting on behalf of a business
- Promoters of goods or services
Under the CPA, you must be transparent in all dealings with consumers. It is a criminal offence to make false or misleading claims about goods, services, or prices.
Note for influencers and bloggers: If you promote or advertise goods or services on behalf of a business, you are subject to the same legal responsibilities under the CPA.
What are my responsibilities under the Consumer Rights Act 2022?
The Consumer Rights Act 2022 (CRA) strengthens consumer protections when they buy from your business. It applies to:
You must also ensure that your contracts do not contain unfair terms. For guidance, see our guide to unfair contract terms.
The CRA provides additional protections for consumers who buy:
- Online
- By mail order
- By phone
- On their doorstep
What can happen if my business breaches consumer protection law?
If your business fails to meet its obligations under Irish consumer protection law, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) can take enforcement action. This includes:
- Prosecution
- Prohibition orders
- Compliance notices
- Undertakings
- Fixed payment notices
For full details, visit the consumer protection enforcement page.
What can consumers do if they’re not satisfied?
If you fail to resolve a consumer issue appropriately, the consumer may take further action. This includes:
- Small Claims Procedure – Consumers can take a case against your business in the District Court
- Higher court proceedings – For more serious or complex cases
- Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) – A non-court process to resolve disputes
- Online dispute resolution (ODR) – A digital platform for resolving disputes related to online purchases
Should you seek legal advice?
If you are unsure about your obligations, you should always seek independent legal advice to understand how these laws apply to your business and to ensure full compliance.
