Exceptions to the regulations

The regulations do not apply to:

• financial services
• sale of land or buildings
• purchases from a vending machine or automated commercial premises
• the use of a public pay phone
• auctions, including internet auctions
• rental agreements that have to be in writing (i.e. a lease for three years or more)

There are also some partial exceptions. The information and cancellation provisions do not apply to contracts for: accommodation, transport, catering, and leisure services, including outdoor sporting events, but only where the supplier agrees to provide these on a specific date or within a specific period. In addition, the provisions do not apply to package travel, timeshare, and contracts for the supply of food, drinks or other goods for everyday consumption supplied by 'regular roundsmen'.

Also the right to cancel does not apply to the following, unless you agree otherwise:

• personalised goods or goods made to a consumer's specification
• goods that cannot, by their nature, be returned
• perishable goods (eg flowers, fresh food)
• un-sealed audio or video recordings or computer software
• newspapers, periodicals or magazines
• betting, gaming or lottery services
• services that begin, by agreement, before the end of the cancellation period providing the supplier has informed the consumer before the conclusion of the contract, in writing or another durable medium, that he will not be able to cancel once performance of the services has begun with his agreement
• goods or services, the price of which is dependent on fluctuations in the financial market.

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