Online dispute codes of conduct ‘should remain voluntary’

Date: 23/05/02

By Peter Chapman

FIRMS should fend for themselves in legal disputes with suppliers without a new layer of fair trade regulations governing online 'business to business' commerce, or B2B, say industry lobbyists.

The call comes after European Commission enterprise chief Erkki Liikanen announced the EU may act to beef-up voluntary codes of conduct that companies agree among themselves on how they should tackle disputes, for example over non-delivery or shoddy service.

But EuroCommerce Secretary-General Xavier Durieu says businesses have always handled disputes between themselves - and it 'should remain like this', adding that firms are far less vulnerable than consumers when they trade over the internet. He says making voluntary codes legally binding or granting them special EU approval is 'risky and too early'.

Liikanen tabled the idea in a consultation on ways to boost confidence in the new 'electronic marketplaces'. These closed websites match buyers and sellers in everything from aircraft and car parts to foreign exchange. Liikanen's fellow commissioner, David Byrne, is preparing draft rules forcing business to give EU customers a better deal.

Germany has led calls for Byrne's blueprint to be extended to include B2B trading relationships.

Firms should continue to fend for themselves in legal disputes with suppliers without a new layer of fair trade regulations governing online 'business to business' (B2B) commerce, say industry lobbyists.