Comply with EU eCommerce Directive requirements for your online store
About the EU eCommerce Directive
The EU eCommerce Directive is a set of legal requirements designed to protect consumers when shopping online.
This article provides general information about eCommerce requirements. Square does not provide legal advice, so consider consulting with a legal professional for specific guidance.
Before you begin
These requirements apply to all transactions between businesses and their online customers in the EU and EEA.
Failure to comply with the EU eCommerce Directive requirements may result in fines, sanctions, or the closure of your online business as ordered by government authorities.
Review EU eCommerce Directive requirements
EU customers have 14 calendar days to cancel a purchase. If your customers are not informed of their 14-day cancellation before payment, the cancellation period is extended to one year.
Learn how to manage customer refunds.
Your online store’s checkout experience must comply with the following:
- You must provide full price transparency, and you need to show your customers the total cost of their purchases.
- At the time of sale, you must clearly and prominently state who will be responsible for the cost of returning the items.
- You may not provide any pre-checked boxes or default options for additional goods or services.
Learn how to manage checkout options for your online store.
You must deliver goods without undue delay and within 30 calendar days of the contract being entered into. Ensure you track delivery dates to meet compliance requirements, and communicate any potential delays to customers.
Learn how to fulfill orders with Square.