Press Release: Consumers: Most internet sites now safe to buy electronic goods

Buying popular electronic goods like digital cameras and music players on the internet is now much safer following a crackdown on problematic websites. 84% of the websites selling electronics, checked for breach of EU consumer rules, now comply with EU law (compared with only 44% in 2009). The 'sweep' investigation was launched in May 2009 and carried out by national authorities in 26 member states, Norway and Iceland. The problems identified included misleading information on consumer rights, incorrect prices and missing contact details of the trader. These sites have now been corrected and penalties have been imposed where necessary. The Commission also announced the initial findings of the 2010 Sweep targeting online sales of tickets for cultural and sporting events.

European Commission: Memo/10/417: Sweep on electronic goods (second phase): FAQs http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/10/417&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

European Commission: Memo/10/418: Sweep on tickets for cultural and sporting events (first phase): FAQs http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/10/418&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

EurActiv, 17.9.10: EU cracks down on online sales of concert, sports tickets http://www.euractiv.com/food/online-sales-tickets-news-497873

European Commission: DG Health and Consumers: Consumer Affairs: Enforcement: Online Ticket Sales Sweep http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/enforcement/sweep/online_ticket_sales/index_en.htm

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