Websites 'breaking consumer protection laws'

11 September 2009



Over half of websites selling electronic goods in the EU are falling foul of consumer protection laws, an investigation has discovered. In a survey of 269 websites, the EU revealed that six in ten customers had been given incorrect information regarding their rights.

The investigation took into account three core consumer laws; Distance Selling Regulations, the E-Commerce Directive and the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. "We targeted websites selling electronic goods because I know from my own mail bag, and we know from the level of complaints coming into European Consumer Centres that these are a real problem area for consumers," revealed EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva.

In cases which had warranted further investigation, 66 per cent did not fully explain that customers had seven days to return an item and 45 per cent failed to offer guidance on additional delivery charges. A third did not provide the trader's name, address or other contact details.

Alex Zachary, partner in the B P Collins Technology and Intellectual Property practice group, comments: "This emphasises the need for on-line traders to keep abreast of consumer and other e-commerce related legislation and avoid the pitfalls of non-compliance. For some, this might involve changes to website structures and text. Others might need to change the whole way they have operated in relation to deliveries, returns, marketing and the like."

If you require legal advice, for either your private affairs or organisation, please call Buckinghamshire based B P Collins Solicitors on 01753 889995, complete the online enquiry form or email enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk.

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