The document summarizes the key changes to the implementation of the new European Consumer Directive regarding online transactions. Specifically, it outlines new timing requirements for providing pre-contractual and contractual information to consumers at the beginning of the ordering process and upon delivery. It also discusses updated information that must be included, such as payment and delivery options, total price, and expanded right of withdrawal details. Sellers are required to provide terms and conditions on a durable medium, either printed or in an unchangeable digital file, and repay the consumer within 14 days if they withdraw.

1. Implementation of the new
European Consumer Directive
13.06.2014
Bert Nijs
Jurist

2. Content
1. Timing of information requirements
a. Beginning of ordering process
b. Precontractual information
c. Contractual information
2. Information requirements
3. Information on Right of Withdrawal (RoW)
4. Durable medium
5. Repayment
Easier for
webshops
Harder for
webshops

3. Timing of
Information Requirements (1)
What? Options and restrictions regarding
payment and delivery
13th of June
When? Beginning of the ordering process
How? Indicate clearly and legibly
(Indiquer / Aangeven)
Past
When? At the offer
(Lors de l’offre / Bij het aanbod)
How? To be informed

4. Timing of
Information Requirements(1)
Practical: Icons and hyperlink in footer

5. Timing of
Information Requirements (2)
What? Precontractual information
13th of June
When? Before conclusion of contract
How? Makes available
(Mettre à disposition / Beschikbaar stellen)
Past
When? At the offer
(Lors de l’offre / Bij het aanbod)
How? To be informed

6. Timing of
Information Requirements (2)
Practical: Hyperlink in footer

7. What? Contractual information
13th of June
When? Delivery of product
How? Deliver on a durable medium
(Fournir / Verstrekken)
Past
When? Delivery of product
How? Deliver on a durable medium
Timing of
Information Requirements(3)

8. Information requirements
13th of June
Amount? +- 20 points
Available space or time (Think mobile)
• But minimum information!
Mainly: Specs, Identity, Total price, RoW, Duration
Clear “Pay” button
Past
Amount? +- 10 points
i.e. Identity, price, right of withdrawal, …

9. Information requirements
Practical: Clear pay button

10. Right of withdrawal
Droit de rétractation / Herroepingsrecht
What? Information on RoW
13th of June
New model form for right of withdrawal
o Obligatory for sellers
o Optional for consumer
o Practical: add it to your T&C
Past
Separate RoW frame in bold letters on front page

11. Right of withdrawal
Droit de rétractation / Herroepingsrecht
The obligatory model form

12. What? Sanction for lack of RoW information
13th of June
RoW extended to 12 months,
or 14 days after delivering information
Past
RoW extended to 3 months
Right of withdrawal
Droit de rétractation / Herroepingsrecht

13. Durable Medium
Support Durable / Duurzame drager
Change..? Why change?
ECJ Case C-49/11 of the 5th of July 2012
Austrian Content Services Ltd
o Hyperlink =/ durable medium
o Passive reception required
o Goal: Unchanged reproduction of contractual information

14. • Practical solutions
o Email T&C in PDF at confirmation order
o Printed T&C at delivery
• Exception possible
o Sophisticated website
o Unchanged document can be stored, accessed and
reproduced
o “Like paper”
Durable Medium
Support Durable / Duurzame drager

15. What? Repayment
13th of June
o Within 14 days (after notification)
 Exception: withhold repayment until reception proof of
shipment by consumer
 Consumer must have shipped within 14 days
o Devaluation by use / inspection
o Use in so far as necessary to inspect “as in store”
Past
o Within 30 days (after notification)
Right of withdrawal
Droit de rétractation / Herroepingsrecht

16. Exceptions
(a) service that has begun
(b) goods or services with fluctuating price which cannot be controlled by the trader
(c) personalized goods
(d) goods liable to expire rapidly
(e) sealed goods: health protection or hygiene reasons
(f) goods which are, after delivery inseparably mixed with other items
(g) alcoholic beverages of which delivery is allowed after 30 days and has fluctuating value which cannot be
controlled by the trader
(h) consumer requested visit for urgent repairs/maintenance
(i) sealed audio, video or computer software
(j) the supply of a newspaper or magazine with exception of subscription contracts for the supply of such
publications
(k) contracts concluded at a public auction
(l) accommodation other than for residential, transport of goods, car rental services, catering or services
related to leisure activities if the contract provides for a specific date or period of performance
(m) digital content: not supplied on a tangible medium

17. Summary
 Delivery restrictions & payment options in footer
 Clear Pay button
 Check your T&C with the new inf. reqs of
Art. 6 Cons. Dir. or Art. VI 45 Belgian Economic Code
 Add RoW model form at end of your T&C
 Deliver printed copy or digital file of T&C

18. Questions?
Thank you for your attention!
bert.nijs@becommerce.be