About: Online Shopping
MEPs call for ‘outdated’ EU toy safety directive to be updated
EU lawmakers have approved, by a large majority, a report to update the EU's Toy Safety Directive, which they say no longer meets the necessary standards. EURACTIV France reports.
Commission wants tougher rules for consumer credit deals
The European Commission proposed caps on interest rates for consumer credit agreements and a ban on bundling practices as part of tougher consumer credit rules following the surge in online shopping during COVID-19 lockdowns and the rise of digital lenders.
European Parliament wants to stop rigged online reviews
MEPs have updated consumer protection rules, bringing greater transparency in how online offers are ranked and, particularly, in reviews left by customers about products. EURACTIV France reports.
Commission acts against price fixing in online resales
The European Commission levied fines totalling €111 million against Asus, Philips, Pioneer and Denon & Marantz on Tuesday (24 July) for imposing fixed or minimum resale prices on online retailers.
EU plans to pull ‘free’ digital services under consumer protection rules
EXCLUSIVE / Digital services that collect users’ data, like Facebook and Gmail, will be pulled under EU consumer protection rules as part of a European Commission overhaul due next month. Possible sanctions will be raised to up to 4% of a company's turnover.
European Parliament bans geo-blocking for e-commerce
The new legislation approved by European Parliament requires websites to sell their goods throughout the EU regardless of the country the buyer resides in. It could apply to online cultural content like music streaming and ebooks within two years. EURACTIV.fr reports
Tech industry sounds alarm over draft online payment rules
Twenty-seven e-commerce companies and lobby groups have asked the European Commission to change a draft proposal to regulate payment services, arguing that additional security measures will drive shoppers away from online platforms.
Consumer group warns against e-commerce overhaul
A draft bill to give ecommerce shoppers the same rights across the EU is likely to face a drastic makeover from the European Parliament and national governments—and consumer advocates are worried.
String of e-commerce bills struggle to keep pace
One-and-a-half years after the European Commission proposed a string of new laws aimed at making it easier for e-commerce businesses to sell and for customers to buy across the EU, negotiations on those bills are trudging ahead at different speeds.
Luxury brands’ attempt to ban online sales goes before EU court
Europe's top court will begin a landmark case today (30 March) that could determine whether luxury goods companies can stop retailers from selling their products via marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay.
Under pressure from national governments, Commission lowers VAT rates for e-books
Booksellers will be able to sell e-books with low VAT rates to match the discounts already applied to paper books under a change to EU tax law announced today (1 December).
China and Europe pave the way for seamless worldwide e-commerce
The Digital Single Market may offer China some inspiration for adopting an electronic world trade platform that can tear down national borders and boost international e-commerce, writes Luigi Gambardella.
Web accessibility will now be the law of the land in Europe
On Tuesday (3 May), after a long night of negotiation, and after more than three years since its proposal, it was agreed that web accessibility will now be the law of the land in Europe. This is a victory not only for persons with disabilities, but all of us, writes Dita Charanzová.