EU lawmakers backed a new regulation on Thursday to grant better protection and stronger rights to European consumers and firms who buy goods online in another member country of the European Union.
Under the new rules, any consumer from the 27 member states of the European Union would be given the same 14-day right to cancel a purchase when buying a product abroad and the delivery of goods would be more strictly regulated.
In addition, shops and websites would be required to provide more information on prices as well as their identity and contact details.
Andreas Schwab, the European lawmaker in charge of the proposed regulation, said the new directive would "boost consumer confidence and create new market opportunities for providers".
"We are also stepping up the fight against defrauding consumers by dubious and unclear internet 'offers'. By setting up a 'double click' solution, consumers will have to confirm their acceptance of any obligation to pay a price," he added.
Since the creation of the EU's single market in 1992, consumers and companies have an unlimited right to buy and sell products in other EU member states, but in practice it is often difficult for cross-border clients to enjoy the same rights as domestic customers.
According to figures released by the European Parliament, 8 percent of e-commerce sales currently take place across borders, due to legal fragmentation.
The regulation was backed by a strong majority of lawmakers but an EU diplomat said member states were now set to win concessions on the level of harmonisation between national legislations foreseen by the new rules. The final text could be adopted by July, diplomats and lawmakers said.
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