Online and other distance sales of goods. Impact assessment of substantial amendments

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Series Details July 2017
Publication Date July 2017
ISBN 978-92-846-1272-7
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Please note: Each EPRS Study is assigned a DOI (digital object identifier), which is a safe and long term way of ensuring a hyperlink to the full text of this report. However, when ESO creates this record, on occasion the DOI still has not been activated by the EU Bookshop. If you find the source url hyperlink does not work please use the alternative location hyperlink listed as a related url.This study was requested by the European Parliament’s Committee for Internal Market and Consumer Protection as part of the Parliament’s general commitment to improving the quality of EU legislation, and in particular in undertaking to carry out impact assessments of its own substantial amendments when it considers it appropriate and necessary for the legislative process.

The aim of this ex-ante impact assessment is to evaluate two substantial amendments being proposed to the European Commission proposal for a directive on certain aspects concerning contracts for the online and other distance sales of goods. The amendments would extend the scope of the proposed directive to any sale contract concluded between the consumer and the seller, and would repeal the Consumer Sales Directive.

The findings of the study indicate that the harmonisation of rules across Member States and sales channels would reduce the fragmentation of the legal framework and enhance the clarity and transparency of applicable rules to the benefit of both consumers and businesses. Most importantly, one single regime for online and face-to-face transactions could contribute to increased consumers’ and traders’ awareness and confidence in purchasing/selling online and offline, domestically and across borders.

There would be a general increase in consumer protection throughout the EU, with the exception of some Member States where consumers’ rights would be weakened. This could, however, translate into increased costs for businesses in relation to remedies provided to consumers. The importance of having a single regime for online and offline sales has been strongly supported by all stakeholders consulted for this study.

Nonetheless, consumer and business organisations have different views with regard to the aspects of consumer protection under examination. Finding a balance between the interests of consumers and businesses remains, thus, crucial

Source Link Link to Main Source http://dx.publications.europa.eu/10.2861/102832
Related Links
European Parliament: European Parliamentary Research Service: Study, July 2017: Online and other distance sales of goods. Impact assessment of substantial amendments http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2017/603258/EPRS_STU(2017)603258_EN.pdf
ESO: Background information: Towards new rules on sales and digital content: Analysis of the key issues (EPRS: In-Depth Analysis, March 2017) http://www.europeansources.info/record/towards-new-rules-on-sales-and-digital-content-analysis-of-the-key-issues/
ESO: Background information: Contracts For Online And Other Distance Sales Of Goods [EU Legislation In Progress] http://www.europeansources.info/record/contracts-for-online-and-other-distance-sales-of-goods-eu-legislation-in-progress-2/

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