Do the new subscription rules apply to me?

Answer seven questions about how you sell subscriptions. We will tell you whether the UK rules due from 1 January 2027 are likely to apply, which notices you would need to send, and where to read more.

Where things stand (3 November 2026): the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 is law, but its subscription chapter is not yet in force. The detailed regulations are a draft that Parliament has not yet approved, and the government's guidance is also a draft. The intended start date is 1 January 2027, for contracts entered into on or after that date. Anything taken from a draft is labelled "draft".

Seven questions. We do not ask for your name or email, and we do not keep your answers.

1. Who buys your subscriptions? A consumer is an individual acting wholly or mainly outside their business.

Individuals, buying for themselves (consumers)
Both consumers and businesses
Only businesses
Not sure

2. Do customers keep paying automatically until they cancel? For example a rolling monthly plan, or an annual plan that renews itself.

Yes, it renews or continues automatically
No: customers pay each time themselves, or it simply ends
Not sure

3. Do you offer a free trial or a lower introductory price that moves to paid, or to a higher price, automatically? For example "first month free" or "50% off for 3 months", unless the customer cancels first.

Yes
No
Not sure

4. How often do customers pay, after any trial or introductory period?

Monthly, or more often
Less often than monthly, but more often than once a year (for example every 3 months)
Once a year, or less often
It varies, or not sure

6. Where are your customers?

In the UK
Some in the UK, some elsewhere
None in the UK

7. How do customers pay for their subscriptions? Tick all that apply.

Through my own Stripe account (for example Stripe Billing, Checkout or Payment Links)
Through Apple's App Store or Google Play
Another payment provider or platform (for example PayPal, Direct Debit, or a shop platform's own subscription app)
Not sure

This is information, not legal advice. It is a quick, plain-English guide to published rules, several of which are still in draft. FairRenew sends notices; it does not give legal advice. Check your own position with a qualified adviser.