EU set to increase refund threshold for online purchases

The European Union looks set to increase the cost threshold for consumers who wish to get their money back if they have had a bad online experience with a retailer in another EU State.

The threshold for making a "small claim" is to rise from €2,000 to €10,000.

Ciara Eustace of the EU Commission says this, when implemented, will be good for consumers and small business operations.

"The new procedure will increase the threshold of a small claim; the minimum threshold was €2,000 and it has now been increased to €10,000," she said.

"The new procedure will also cap the cost of court fees at 10% of the cost of the claim - and also make it easier for consumers and SMEs to make a claim across EU borders."