Shopping online on the EU-wide market can offer savings and greater choice.
EU online shoppers enjoy a set of consumer rights under EU distance selling rules, including cooling-off periods which mean the freedom to change your mind.
European Consumer Centres can advise you on your online purchases from abroad or help with any problems.
What are the rights under EU distance selling rules?
EU distance selling rules cover not only online shopping but also other purchases outside a shop, e.g. by phone or mail order.
Η σχετική Ευρωπαϊκή νομοθεσία καλύπτει εκτός από τις αγορές μέσω διαδικτύου και τις παραγγελίες που υποβάλλονται τηλεφωνικώς ή ταχυδρομικώς.
Τα βασικά δικαιώματα σας ως καταναλωτή, όταν προβαίνετε σε αγορές μέσω του διαδικτύου, βάσει την ισχύουσα Ευρωπαϊκή νομοθεσία είναι τα ακόλουθα:
You can cancel your order for any reason within at least 14 days (different in other countries) from receiving the order and send it back.
The seller must give you a refund within 30 days. You may have to pay the cost of sending goods back to the seller, though.
Some purchases are not covered by the cooling-off periods, for example hotel bookings, car rental and travel tickets.
EU online sellers must give you detailed information, including their contact details, the main characteristics of the product or service and the total cost, including all taxes and delivery charges.
Under EU law, if the items turn out to be faulty or not as advertised, you have the same 2-year guarantee as if you had bought it in a shop (in some countries, you may have additional rights).
There are various forms of scams – such as lotteries, prize draws, and investment schemes.
How to Spot a Scam
There are a number of signs to look out for: