New consumer protection rules will soon be introduced across the European Union, to 'strengthen consumer protection.'
The directive will see greater transparency of online marketplaces: it will become clearer whether products are sold by a trader or a private individual, reports Newstalk.
"From now on consumers will be informed whether the person selling the goods or services online is a trader or another private individual, and warned that EU consumer protection rules do not apply when the supplier is not a trader," the EU Commission said.
Who Is Responsible
According to the EU, the online marketplace will also indicate whether the supplier or the marketplace itself is responsible e.g. for the delivery or for handling the returns under the right of withdrawal.
"Consumers will also know where to turn in case of problems," the EU Commission added.
The new set of rules is a part of the European Commission's 'New Deal for Consumers' which was published last November.
EU member states reportedly have two years to turn the directive into legislation.
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