EU changes rules for e-commerce

2011-09-01



By a majority vote, the European Parliament accepted in the end of June 2011 a new ordinance concerning consumer rights when shopping on the internet. The new directive is geared towards limiting malpractice and abuse of rights when terminating sales contracts within the 14 day deadline. The new regulations are expected to come into within the next two years, when all the member states will have to make changes to comply with the regulations.

The main changes in e-commerce
All e-shops will have to adapt to a unified information policy, i.e. the extent of information, which the consumer must give before signing a contract.

Consumers will have sample forms for terminating contracts at their disposal, which they may (but do not have to) use. Receiving information of termination of a contract must be confirmed by the seller for instance via e-mail.

E-shops will have to clearly and legibly state whether there are any limitation to supplying the goods, for example delivery only within a given member state and what form of payment they accept.

E-shops will have to give information about any additional surcharges connected with delivery, including information about charges for returning goods to the seller. If the consumer does not receive this information he/she will not be eligible to cover costs.

It will be forbidden for e-shops to charge overpriced rates for delivery.

Consumers will be protected from “hidden surcharges” for internet services. The consumer must confirm that he is aware of any such fees for the given service.

It will be forbidden for sellers to tick off services in advance, requiring the consumer to cancel the ticked item if he does not want the particular service or item.

The changes also call for a unified grace period of 14 days for returning goods throughout Europe.

Changes also affect internet auctions such as ebay.