Use of the word 'Free'

20 Use of the word ‘Free’

Rule 20 has been amended to correctly reflect the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Rule 20 has been replaced by rule 20.1, which applies to advertisements that appear after 21 November 2008.

Advertisements must not describe products or samples as ‘free’ unless they are supplied at no cost or no extra cost (other than postage or carriage) to the recipient.

A trial product may be described as 'free' provided that any subsequent financial obligations from the customer are specified in the advertisement, eg. the cost of returning the product in the case of dissatisfaction or the cost of the product at the end of the trial period.

20.1    Use of the word ‘Free’

Advertisements must not describe products or samples as ‘free’, or similar, unless they are supplied at no cost or no extra cost (other than postage or carriage) to the recipient.  

A trial product may be described as “free” provided that any subsequent financial obligations from the customer are specified in the advertisement, eg. the cost of returning the product in the case of dissatisfaction or the cost of the product at the end of the trial period.  

This rule reflects the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. This rule applies to advertisements that appear after 21 November 2008.