E-commerce has experienced exponential growth in recent years (especially since the pandemic), and more and more freelancers and entrepreneurs are choosing to open their own online store. But when it comes to selling online, not everything goes. What legal requirements must an e-shop meet in our country? Regulations such as the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), the Retail Trade Regulation Act, and the LSSI (Law on Information Society Services and Electronic Commerce) apply. In addition, the latest amendment to the Consumer Law, approved in the last quarter of 2024 to align with European requirements, includes a series of updates that all online stores must implement.
Consumer Rights and Obligations in Spain
The 4 Main Changes to the Consumer Law
- Clear and unambiguous final price: The final price of the product or service must be displayed clearly and unambiguously before the transaction is completed. The consumer must accept it, and if the customer does not have access to the final price from the beginning of the transaction, they will be entitled to recover the difference between the initial and final cost.
- Extended return period: The return period for products is extended from 7 business days to 14 calendar days. Moreover, the business owner must ensure that the consumer has been properly informed. If the customer has not been informed, the period may be extended up to 12 months.
- Withdrawal form: It is mandatory to provide the buyer with a withdrawal form, standardized across Europe. This must be provided along with the pre-contractual information.
- Information about offer acceptance: In e-commerce, the buyer must be properly informed—up to the final step of the transaction—that accepting the offer entails a payment obligation.
These updates are primarily aimed at protecting consumers, especially in electronic or telephone transactions. It is essential for online stores to implement these measures to comply with current regulations and ensure a safe and transparent shopping experience for their customers.
At Ebasnet, we are committed to helping you comply with all legal regulations for your online store.
