Consumer Protection Act 1999 · Updated to 1 Nov 2021 · Part VI · Rights Against Suppliers in Respect of
46. Consumer’s option of refund or replacement
Feedback & supportIn plain English
A consumer who rejects goods under this Act may choose a refund or replacement goods. Replacement goods must be the same type and similar value, and reasonably available in the supplier's stock. A refund is paid in cash. Letting the consumer take other goods does not count as a refund. The guarantees in this Act also apply to replacement goods.
Summary · Drafted with AI, checked against the official text on 30 Sep 2026.
Where the consumer exercises the right to reject goods conferred under this Act, the consumer may choose to have—
consumer
“consumer” means a person who— (a) acquires or uses goods or services of a kind ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic or household purpose, use or consumption; and (b) does not acquire or use the goods or services, or hold himself out as acquiring or using the goods or services, primarily for the purpose of— (i) resupplying them in trade; (ii) consuming them in the course of a manufacturing process; or (iii) in the case of goods, repairing or treating, in trade, other goods or fixtures on land;
a refund of any money paid or other consideration provided by the consumer in respect of the rejected goods; or
goods of the same type and of similar value to replace the rejected goods where such goods are reasonably available to the supplier as part of the stock of the supplier, and the supplier shall make provision accordingly.
A refund referred to in paragraph (1)(a) means a refund in cash of the money paid or the value of any other consideration provided, or both, as the case may require.
The obligation to refund cannot be satisfied by permitting the consumer to acquire other goods from the supplier.
goods
“goods” means goods which are primarily purchased, used or consumed for personal, domestic or household purposes, and includes— (a) goods attached to, or incorporated in, any real or personal property; (b) animals, including fish; (c) vessels and vehicles; (d) utilities; and (e) trees, plants and crops whether on, under or attached to land or not, but does not include choses in action, including negotiable instruments, shares, debentures and money;
Where a consumer obtains goods to replace rejected goods under paragraph (1)(b), the replacement goods shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to be supplied by the supplier, and the guarantees and obligations under this Act relating to the supply of goods to a consumer shall apply to the replacement goods.