The document is about the UK government's plan to make electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) mandatory for all VAT invoices starting in April 2029. It confirms that the mandate will be introduced gradually (beginning with large companies, then SMEs), will use a four-corner interoperable model, and will not include real-time reporting to HMRC.

This document aims to explain how online sales are handled in the UK. In the UK, there are various requirements for online sales, which implies that there are specific requirements that must be fulfilled according to The Consumer Rights Act 2015, The Consumer Contracts Regulations and The Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002.

The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 require traders to provide clear pre-contract information, grant consumers a 14-day right to cancel distance and off-premises contracts, and set rules for refunds, returns, and delivery. They also regulate services and digital content supply, prohibit hidden charges, and give enforcement authorities powers to ensure compliance. Read more

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 sets out statutory rights for goods, digital content, and services, requiring that they be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described, with remedies such as repair, replacement, price reduction, or refund if those rights are breached. It also ensures fair contract terms, regulates delivery and guarantees, and strengthens enforcement powers to protect consumers across multiple sectors. Read more

The UK Value Added Tax Act 1994 defines VAT as a tax on goods, services, and imports, setting out registration rules, applicable rates, exemptions, and invoicing and record-keeping obligations. It also governs input tax deductions, payment deadlines, and HMRC’s powers to enforce compliance through assessments, surcharges, and penalties. Read more

The following pages present a focused analysis of how the return policy is handled in the UK. However, UK return rights depend heavily on whether the purchase was made in-store or online.