Recently approved legislation from the EU means that websites will have to be more careful with the methods they use to sell products to consumers.

The legislation, which was backed by the EU parliament in June, is aimed at making things clearer and easier to follow.  The list of changes includes the following:

• Consumers must explicitly confirm that they understand that they have to pay a price
• Traders have to disclose the total cost of the product or service, as well as any extra fees
• Additional options will not be offered via pre-ticked boxes
• Consumers have 14 days to withdraw from a sales contract agreed to outside a shop - for example online or on their doorstep
• The EU will provide an optional withdrawal form for consumers to use
• Traders must refund customers within 14 days
• Information on digital products - such as software compatibility - will need to be clearer
• There will be a single set of core rules for distance contracts and off-premises contracts across the EU

Does your website comply with these changes?  If not, you could face punishment from the EU.  If you're not sure whether you comply, or would like to make sure your website does, we're happy to help.