New EU consumer laws: What they mean for you

If an online banner says ‘50% off’, that reduction has to be referenced against the product’s regular price recorded within the last 30 days

Shopping online concept - Parcel or Paper cartons with a shopping cart logo in a trolley on a laptop keyboard. Shopping service on The online web. offers home delivery.

This month saw the introduction of a raft of European consumer legislation designed to make the online shopping experience in the EU safer than it’s ever been. The Enforcement and Modernisation Directive — also known as the Omnibus Directive — introduces a range of new responsibilities for digital traders, and significantly beefs up the penalties if they don’t do what they should.

Any online marketplace that brings together buyers and sellers will now have to state clearly whether or not the transaction is taking place with a professional or a private seller.