Press Release: Consumers: Commission proposes EU-wide rights for shoppers

The European Commission launched proposals for EU-wide rights to make it easier for consumers to shop on the Internet and in the main street. The new proposal will guarantee consumers, wherever they shop in the EU, clear information on price and additional charges and fees before they sign a contract. It will strengthen consumer protection against late delivery and non delivery, as well as setting out tough EU-wide consumer rights on issues from cooling off periods, returns, refunds, repairs and guarantees and unfair contract term. The proposed Consumer Rights Directive simplified 4 existing EU consumer rights directives into one set of rules. It targeted e-commerce as part of a wide ranging overhaul and up grading of existing EU consumer rights online and in the high street. The aim was to boost consumer confidence and at the same time to cut red tape which is holding back business within national borders – denying consumers more choice and competitive offers. A standard set of consumer contract terms will cut compliance costs substantially - by up to 97% for EU wide traders. The proposed directive upgraded existing consumer protection in key areas where there have been large numbers of complaints in recent years - such as pressure selling. It adapted the legislation to new technology and sales methods, for example, m-commerce and online 'ebay' auctions. There was a clear requirement in the new proposal for clear information about consumer rights to be displayed at point of sale.

European Commission: MEMO/08/609: Frequently asked questions on the proposed consumer rights directive http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/08/609&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

European Commission: SPEECH/08/507: Contract Rights Directive http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/08/507&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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