The Directive on Consumer Rights
1January 26, 2015 by Aleksandra Łuczak
Author: Ewelina Lipiec, Kozminski University
The Directive on Consumer Rights The new directive will harmonize EU law in all EU countries. For consumers, this means facilitating purchases. Several thousands of online stores will have to change the rules of doing business due to the implementation of the European Union Directive of 25 October 2011 published on 22 November 2011 on consumer rights.
For entrepreneurs operating in the network it is primarily a lot of new responsibilities but also greater openness to foreign customers.
The new rules will apply to particular circumstances related to the conclusion of distance contracts and withdraw from them. Hidden costs and fees will be eliminated and a large part of the responsibility for the product will be passed on to the vendor.
Several major changes in relation to the previous applicable provisions:
1) The seller will have to pay the money for the goods to the consumer within 14 days from the date of their withdrawal from the contract , and what is important : the return includes delivery costs.
2) It was introduced for 14 days on the right to withdraw from the contract concluded away from business premises – so consumers will have more time to withdraw from the contract. In situations where the trader has not provided the consumer with information about the right of withdrawal , the withdrawal period shall expire after 12 months.
3) If the seller would like to pass on the cost of returning the goods to the customer , will be obliged to provide clear information about it in such way that the client does not have doubt about it
4) A ban will be introduced on charging customers for use of the hotline costs greater than as a normal telephone call.
5) The consumer will be entitled to a refund as digital products (such as music and video), but only until the beginning of the process of downloading files to his/her own device. Well, we will see in the coming 2015 If this new Directive makes a remarkable difference for the consumers.
Do you think it will work? Have your say!
Category consumer law, European Union, legislation | Tags:
The new regulations are very good news for the customers, especially for those buying online from small shops. These kinds of shops are very reluctant to return theirs products. Moreover, it is great that if the seller does not inform about the new regulation, the buyer will have one year to return the goods. The customers need a time to check the product and decide if it suits to their needs. However, many online shops provide 30 days for the return the product, but it is not obligated.