E-commerce, distance and off-premises selling

The information given on this page only concerns selling to the final consumer (B2C), not to other businesses (B2B).

E-commerce and off-premises selling offers many advantages, but it also entails certain obligations under EU rules.

Transactions subject to these EU rules are sales and service contracts to consumers when you don't meet your customer face-to-face; e.g. contractual agreements by internet, telephone (with or without human interaction), email, fax or standard letter and contracts when you conclude a contract with customers outside your usual business premises.

E-commerce, distance and off-premises rules do not cover transactions in the following areas:

  • social & healthcare services
  • gambling
  • financial, insurance & investment products
  • residential real estate and rental accommodation
  • package travel, timeshare and certain holiday services that are subject to specific rules
  • passenger transport (apart from some specific rules)
  • contracts established by certain public office holders, such as notaries
  • food & drink supplied by regular delivery to a customer's home or workplace
  • products sold in vending machines
  • In some EU countries the following rules do not apply to off-premises contracts for a value of less than EUR 50.

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EU legislation

Need support from assistance services?

Get in touch with specialised assistance services

European Small Claims Procedure

Settle disputes with suppliers or clients from another EU country, for claims up to EUR 5 000.

Points of single contact

National information on expanding your business in another EU country.

Product Contact Point

Your Product Contact Point can inform you on national product legislation and help you access another national market in the EU.

Do you have questions on operating a business cross-border, for example exporting or expanding to another EU country? If so, the Enterprise Europe Network can give you free advice.

You can also use the assistance service finder to find the right help for you.

Last checked: 23/06/2022
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