In Europe, write "killer" law for e-commerce

The list of amendments to the Directive on consumer rights, developed by the European Parliament, is displeased market participants' e-commerce. The proposed rule changes the return of goods purchased by a remote way, will cost online retailers in the $ 14 billion, the slow development of the industry and lead to higher prices. Expressing a common view of market participants, representatives of IMRG commented negatively on amendments to the Directive on consumer rights the EU (EU Consumer Rights Directive) and the potential damage to the industry at 4% of the total turnover of the European online trading for the year 2012 (about $ 14 billion in cash ). "Besides the fact that they (these requirements - approx. Per.) Redundant, they can inevitably lead to a significant increase in prices, in fact, spurring prices in all channels of retail trade and hurting small and medium enterprises, many of whom will be forced to abandon sales via the Internet, "- said James Roper, CEO of IMRG, told Reuters. At first glance, the new amendments introduce the concept of "fair play" and give equal rights to all inhabitants of the euro area, which can encourage online commerce within the region (now in each of the 27 EU member states have their own rules for the return of goods, which is why buyers are reluctant to order the goods in "foreign" shops). The document was developed a few years, members of parliament elected in the minimum (rather flexible) restrictions, and stiff (the same for all) standards of customer service. As a result of a vote last Thursday the European Parliament chose a middle way: some of the requirements are at the discretion of EU member states, while others (for example, allowed the cancellation of appropriate quality for 14 days) are mandatory for all. This "hybrid" approach has failed to satisfy the interested parties - both consumers and merchants. Retailers are upset that buyers will be able to refuse any goods more expensive 40 euros without any explanation. Another demand, causing protests from online sellers need to serve customers from any EU country who want to make a purchase. According to Xavier Darrieus from the association Eurocommerce, uniting European wholesalers and retailers, the new bill will create additional market barriers and increase costs, but did not give greater certainty residents of the EU who buy goods on the domestic market. Lawyers specializing in consumer protection are concerned lightweight requirements to provide information about products and services for orders less than $ 283. Some of the major software vendors are also negatively assessed the amendment - in their view, measures to protect the rights of buyers of "material" and digital products must be different, but the formation of a unified list of requirements for both categories is "unacceptable", according to Financial Times.