In EU, cross-border online shopping is to become easier. The European Parliament has now adopted a corresponding regulation. In particular, so-called geoblocing is to be banished largely from Internet trade. This procedure allows online merchants to refuse access to certain order pages when customers reside in anor country or use credit cards issued abroad. Often, y are automatically redirected to pages in your country — where prices may be higher. This is particularly beneficial for large online shops, which offer different prices in different EU countries.
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Now customers can freely choose offer when shopping online, regardless of where y live. The EU Parliament is thus precluding discrimination. The same general terms and conditions as for local customers should also apply to Internet customers abroad. This applies to purchase of clos and furniture as well as to services – such as renting a holiday apartment or a rental car. Negotiators from Parliament and 28 EU member States had agreed in advance on reregulation. The legislation is refore concluded with vote to enter into force new rules in nine months – that is, before end of year.
Copyright-protected goods, such as films, music or books, are excluded. However, Commission should review this exception after two years. Julia Reda, EU member of Pirate Party, criticises regulation in an opinion: ‘ The error message that is completely incomprehensible to consumers ‘ this content is not available in your country ‘ will continue to be a part of everyday life in Europe because Digital media content such as videos, computer games, music and e-books are completely exempt from new law and refore continue to make a stop at country borders. National governments have successfully blocked any progress in this area during compromise negotiations, “says Reda.
Some limits remain
The SPD MEP Evelyne Gebhardt, on or hand, evaluates new regulation positively. The “annoying and often unjustified” geoblocking for consumer in online shopping is now effectively abolished, she said. Artificial digital borders are “incompatible with European idea”.
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According to an EU Commission study, almost two-thirds of all websites use geoblocking. For example, you refuse to pay from anor country or with foreign credit and debit cards.
However, re is still an obstacle to purchase of goods via Internet: companies concerned in EU abroad have no obligation to supply m. For example, if you buy a piece of furniture from France online, you may need to pick it up yourself or organize delivery via a shipping company.
