EC proposes new e-commerce rules for single market

28 May '16

2 min read

The European Commission has presented a three-pronged plan to boost e-commerce by tackling geoblocking, making cross-border parcel delivery more affordable and efficient and promoting customer trust through better protection and enforcement, according to a press release.

Andrus Ansip, Vice-President for the Digital Single Market, said: "All too often people are blocked from accessing the best offers when shopping online or decide not to buy cross-border because the delivery prices are too high or they are worried about how to claim their rights if something goes wrong. We want to solve the problems that are preventing consumers and businesses from fully enjoying the opportunities of buying and selling products and services online."

Günther H. Oettinger, Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society said: "The geoblocking initiative strikes the right balance between consumers' interest to be able to shop online without borders and providing businesses with sufficient legal certainty. I am confident that our approach, taking due account of specificities of certain sectors, will give the right boost to cross-border e-commerce in the EU."

The Commission's e-commerce package presented on Wednesday comprises a legislative proposal to address unjustified geoblocking and other forms of discrimination on the grounds of nationality, residence or establishment.

It also seeks a legislative proposal on cross-border parcel delivery services to increase the transparency of prices and improve regulatory oversight.

The EC is also seeking increasing consumer trust in e-commerce through a legislative proposal to strengthen enforcement of consumers' rights and guidance to clarify, among others, what qualifies as an unfair commercial practice in the digital world. (SH)

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