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New EU-wide rules for online shopping

23 June 2011

Parliament today approved new EU-wide ecommerce rules to ensure that any European citizen buying from any website within Europe will be protected by the same consumer rights on prices, delivery and returns.

If the rules are formally approved by the Council of Ministers, which is expected to take place in July, then consumers across Europe will have two-weeks of receiving goods to change their minds about online purchases. The new requirements also state that online traders must give buyers precise information on the total price, the goods ordered and the trader's contact details.

Parliament's rapporteur and chief negotiator Andreas Schwab stated that "The new directive is thus a good example of how more Europe brings more benefits to consumers and traders alike. We have reached a well-balanced deal which meets both calls from consumers and business interests".

If approved by the Council of Ministers then Member States will have a maximum of two years to implement the new rules.

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