E-Commerce Regulations

The regulations apply to every business which offers Internet marketing within the UK or European Economic Area (EEA), which means it is nearly every commercial website. Such businesses must comply with the E-Commerce Regulations,  regardless of whom it sells its products or services to (individuals or other businesses). If a business sells goods or services on the Internet, by email or text message, it has to comply with the regulations.

The e-commerce regulations only apply to the laws passed from the 30 July 2002. The regulations do not apply to tax, gambling or lottery and do not affect data protection laws. Direct marketing over a phone or fax are not covered by the regulations.

The regulations aim to ensure transparency in online transactions. The seller needs to provide the consumer with necessary information such as terms and conditions and fine print as well as give them the right to cancel their order within a specified time.

The following minimum information must be provided to the consumer and be easily accessible:

• The name of the service provider: the consumer must be informed who he or she is dealing with and be able to easily find it on the website
• The email address of the service provider so the consumer can contact the business whenever he or she needs to.
• The address of the service provider: if it is a company then a registered office address needs to be given
• The company’s registration number if the service provider is a business 
• VAT number if available
•  Prices must be transparent: state whether they include VAT and delivery costs
• There must be a clear description of goods or services offered
• Payment method and delivery arrangements (within 30 days if not stated otherwise) must be specified 
• Cancellation rights should be provided (usually 7 days after the goods are delivered or contract of service is agreed) and it should be clarified who is responsible for the costs of returning the goods.