EU calls on Poland to adopt new online consumer law

photo - hxc.hu

Poland is one of two countries that is so far not protected by the new EU consumer protection law.

The new law, implemented to ensure safer and more fair consumer transactions online, has been adopted so far by 25 European Union countries. Romania is set to put the plan into effect in two days, but there is still no word from either Poland or Bulgaria.

"From Poland and Bulgaria, we do not have any information, which is bad news for consumers," said a spokeswoman for the European Commission.

Brussels is calling upon Warsaw and Sofia for rapid implementation of the legislation and warns that excessive delays may result in a petition to the EU Court of Justice.

Implemented Friday, June 13, the Consumer Rights Directive will require retailers to be open about all price information upfront. In addition, it will protect consumers who purchase and download digital content.

The Directive is in response to the increase of consumers shopping online and calls for more customer information transparency and a reduction of excessive charges. It also aims to improve their terms after purchases. For example, customers will now have 14 days to return goods without giving reason.

The rules outlined in the Directive will also harmonize standards across the EU, as before there were discrepancies in online purchases between countries. This is in the hope that more transactions will occur across European Union entrepreneurs and consumers.

"Across Europe, 40 percent of traders acknowledge that the lack of harmonized rules is an obstacle to doing business. In Poland, 60 percent think so, and are therefore reluctant to make purchases outside the country "- said EC spokeswoman Mina Andreeva. (sm/pg)