Enforcement notice issued targeting ‘rip-off ’ parcel delivery surcharges
A crackdown on companies who make misleading claims over parcel deliveries has been welcomed by campaigners.
An enforcement notice has been issued by advertising watchdogs to stop retailers across the UK making incorrect delivery claims and ensure any restrictions or exclusions are made clear.
The move by the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP), part of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) regulatory system, follows concerns about customers in rural communities being subject to “ripoff ” surcharges.
Companies will be required to take immediate action to ensure their advertising complies with the new guidance or face enforcement action, including the possibility of legal action by trading standards.
Any claim of “UK delivery” will now include all parts of the United Kingdom, including the Scottish Isles, and surcharges will be banned if such a claim is made.
Nina Ballantyne, consumer spokeswoman for Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “We have been campaigning on this issue for years and we recommended this action in our most recent report, so we are delighted that it has happened.
“We hope the companies concerned will respond positively and fix their procedures to make sure that Scots are treated fairly.”