Reviewed 29 October 2026

UK subscription contracts: key facts and sources.

Who is this about?

The subscription contracts regime concerns business-to-consumer subscription contracts. Coverage and exclusions matter; a business-to-business subscription should not be assumed to fall within it.

When is it expected?

The draft Consumer Subscription Contracts (Cancellation and Information) Regulations 2026 propose 1 January 2027. The official instrument is labelled draft and has not yet been made. Confirm final legislation and commencement arrangements before making operational decisions.

Draft regulation 1: citation and proposed commencement. Draft regulation 2: application to contracts.

What should a merchant assess?

Review pre-contract information, reminder notices, straightforward cancellation, cooling-off rights, refund handling and evidence of the notices supplied. Requirements vary by contract; a single renewal email is not a complete compliance programme.

What does Durably do?

Durably provides Stripe-based notice preparation, hosted cancellation, cooling-off case review and timestamped evidence. It is early access: live email delivery is pending configuration and OAuth account authorization is pending activation. Legal template review and processor arrangements remain necessary.

Official guidance

GOV.UK: subscription contracts guidance. Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, Part 4 Chapter 2.

This is a product-oriented overview, not legal advice. Check the primary sources and obtain advice for your contracts.