E-commerce law
E-commerce law
Many clients wonder what e-commerce law actually is. E-commerce, or electronic commerce, is a dynamically developing industry. Does this mean it has its own distinct branch of law? The answer is no.
E-commerce law is not a separate field of law – it is a colloquial term encompassing numerous regulations from various branches of law (particularly civil law, competition law, personal data protection law, and others) pertaining to the e-commerce industry. Due to the numerous legal regulations (European regulations and directives, Polish laws, and guidelines from regulatory bodies), ensuring the operation of an online store is legally compliant is not easy.
Fortunately, at ecommerce.legal, we have extensive experience—both theoretical and practical. We have conducted hundreds of legal audits for our clients. We have prepared online stores for dozens, if not hundreds, of Trade Inspection inspections—always with complete success. Therefore, we know how to secure businesses and ensure their legal operation. Our team members regularly conduct training and webinars for businesses and consumers.
If you are unfamiliar with any of the issues below or are unsure whether you have implemented all the obligations correctly, you have come to the right place – we will help you comprehensively!
Consumer rights
One of the most important regulations for the e-commerce industry in Poland is the Act of 30 May 2014 on Consumer Rights. This act applies to every store selling to consumers or businesses with consumer rights. It governs the obligations that must be met by businesses conducting e-commerce, as well as the rights of consumers and businesses with consumer rights. At ecommerce.legal, we continuously advise our clients on how to comply with the law, adapting both legal documents and the store interface.
Omnibus Directive
The Omnibus Directive is a set of rules and regulations concerning online commerce and consumer protection. Its purpose is to adapt regulations to the constantly evolving e-commerce industry, aiming to protect consumers and ensure fair and transparent trading practices. The Omnibus Directive introduces regulations related to the principles of organizing price promotions, information obligations towards consumers, and methods of presenting and verifying consumer reviews.
Find out more about the Omnibus Directive here.
Digital Services Act
The Digital Services Act focuses on creating a safer online environment for users and digital businesses and protecting fundamental rights in the digital space. It applies to online platforms where public content (including comments and opinions) can be published. Specifically, it introduces provisions regarding:
- combating illegal content on the Internet, including illegal goods, services and
information; - counteracting social threats on the Internet;
- traceability of entrepreneurs on online trading platforms;
- transparency measures for online platforms;
- enhanced supervision.
General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
The aim of GPSR is to ensure a high level of safety of consumer products on the European Union market, especially in the light of changes related to the development of new technologies and online sales.
The regulation applies to products intended for consumer use. However, products intended solely for professional use that subsequently enter or may enter the consumer market must comply with it.
GPSR complements other specific EU safety regulations.
The Regulation introduces several significant changes affecting both economic operators and authorities, with the aim of improving product safety standards across the EU.
Learn more about GPSR here.
Ecommerce.legal is a team of experienced e-commerce specialists. We prioritize efficiency, offering clients only proven solutions. We combine legal expertise with practical experience in the virtual world, allowing us to effectively advise our clients.