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Implementation timeline

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024

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2024
July 31
Draft rules and guidance on the direct consumer enforcement regime published
As part of a consultation on the direct consumer enforcement regime under the DMCC, the CMA published its draft rules and guidance. The draft guidance set out the range and scope of the new powers and explained how the CMA will conduct consumer enforcement investigations. The consultation closed on 18 September 2024. Find out more about Dealing with CMA investigations and Enforcement.
November 18
Consultation on the implementation of the subscription contracts regime

The Department for Business and Trade conducted a consultation on the implementation of the subscription contracts regime with proposals dealing with cancellation rights, remedies for breaches, contract notices and exiting contracts. The consultation closed on 10 February 2025.

Find out more about proposed changes to subscription contracts.

December 11
The CMA published its draft guidance on the new unfair commercial practices regime as part of a consultation.

The CMA published its draft guidance on the new unfair commercial practices regime as part of a consultation. The guidance is intended to assist traders with understanding how the new rules apply in a real-world context. This consultation closed on 22 January 2025.

In tandem, the ASA launched a consultation on 11 December 2024 on amendments to the Advertising Codes following the DMCC being brought into force. The consultation dealt with unfair commercial practices with a focus on drip pricing, fake reviews and vulnerable consumers. The consultation closed on 5 February 2025.

Find out more about the new rules on Fake reviews, Environmental claims, Misleading advertising and unfair commercial practices.

2025
March 14
The CMA publishes the final version of its guidance on the consumer enforcement regime.
April 6
The CMA’s direct consumer enforcement powers and the new unfair commercial practices enter into force.

Find out more about Dealing with CMA investigations and Enforcement and settlement.

No earlier than Spring 2025
The government expects to bring the new subscription contract regime into force no earlier than spring 2026.

Though the new regime is not expected to apply for some time businesses can begin preparing for compliance now. 

Find out more about Subscription contracts.

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