Consumer protection: AliExpress commits to bringing terms and practices in line with EU consumer rules
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), working closely with the Commission and the European network of national consumer protection (CPC) authorities, has obtained commitments from AliExpress to ensure compliance with EU consumer rights.
Going forward, AliExpress will inform consumers more clearly about the following aspects:
- The cooling-off period (the right of withdrawal): consumers have the right to cancel purchases within 14 days after having received the goods and without providing a reason, as well as the right to return the goods within 14 days after cancellation;
- Legal guarantees: EU rules regarding guarantees must be indicated, and complied with;
- Extra costs: it must be indicated whether any taxes or other fees need to be paid, for example customs duties at the border;
- Sellers: information must be provided about the identity of the seller.
- Ranking: it must be indicated whether payments have been made in order for a seller to appear higher in the search results.
- General terms and conditions: these no longer violate the relevant laws;
- Complaints: information must be provided about where consumers can turn to if they have any complaints or disputes (no longer the Court of First Instance in Hong Kong, but in the consumer’s own country).
The arrangements with AliExpress were made over the past few months, and the adjustments have already been implemented. The general terms and conditions will be made easier-to-read and easier-to-spot for EU customers by 1 May 2021 at the latest.
