Current Issues FSA publishes guidance on new allergen labelling rules The Food Standards Agency (FSA) published guidance in June 2020 on new allergen labelling laws on food that is prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) at outlets such as coffee shops. The change in allergen rules, known as “Natasha’s Law” after...

The UK Information Commissioner's Office's (ICO) Age Appropriate Design Code of Practice requires providers of online products and services (such as, websites, apps, games and connected toys) to review and, most likely, adapt their products and services to protect children's personal data. The code takes effect from 2 September 2021...

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published its response to a consultation on proposed ecodesign and energy labelling regulations. BEIS' proposals, which include the introduction of a legal right to repair, higher energy-efficiency standards and new energy labels on energy consumption, were met with overall support...

Current issues EU to introduce 'New Deal for Consumers' consumer law overhaul The New Deal for Consumers (Omnibus Directive) is an overhaul of consumer law, giving it more teeth against non-compliant businesses, and bringing EU legislation (some of which was passed in the 1990s) up to date for our modern...

The Online Safety Bill could be introduced into Parliament any day. While publication of a Draft Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny has allowed market participants to familiarise themselves with the future regulatory regime, there are increasing signs from the government that the Bill it introduces into Parliament could contain significant changes...

Key developments include: new sanctions against certain Russian entities and individuals; the European Securities and Markets Authority has started the process to regulate ESG ratings; and the new UK data transfer agreements come into force on 21 March 2022. Contents Advertising and marketing Bribery, fraud and anti-money laundering Competition Consumer...

Key developments this month include: The government has announced several key reforms to UK consumer law which suggests that its direction may diverge from the EU's approach Defra publishes proposal to reform the UK packaging waste regime European Commission presents package of European Green Deal proposals Contents Advertising and marketing...

In a recent lengthy decision, the UK High Court found Samsung liable for third-party apps available in the Samsung Galaxy App Store (SGA) that infringed various Swatch group trade marks. Samsung was found to have actively participated in the development of the apps and had a commercial interest in their...

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published (26 July 2022) an update paper on its music streaming market study and is consulting on its proposal not to make a market investigation reference (MIR) at the end of the market study. It has also sought views on the evidence and...

The Buy Box refers to a box that appears on product listings on Amazon and features the price and shipping from a single seller at a time, selected by Amazon's algorithm, as well as the “Add to Cart” button. Amazon's use of the Buy Box, which accounts for more than...