What are the e-commerce laws that affect online businesses?
- The UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and Data Protection Act 2018: govern the protection of customer’s data, especially in terms of processing, storing, and transferring personal data
- The Electronic Commerce Regulations: sets out how you must communicate with your website users, including the requirement to display your website terms and conditions, provide clear information on pricing and delivery charges, and identify the sender of any business communication
- Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000: aims to protect consumer (the general public not B2B) rights in relation to online selling
- Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR): governs the requirements around the use of cookies and direct marketing in commercial communications
Do the above laws apply to dropshippers?
Dropshipping is where an online store sells products to consumers by purchasing what the consumer orders from a third-party supplier who ships the product directly to the customer. As a dropshipper, you do not hold or handle the items you are selling. Dropshipping businesses are legal in the UK and therefore subject to all e-commerce laws and must pay tax.
Wrapping up
This will provide you with the confidence that you will always have someone you can turn to for advice who understands your e-commerce venture and the market sector it operates in.
Get assistance from LawBite
LawBite is here to help you protect your business. Our expert lawyers can help you ensure you know the regulations that apply to your online business and you comply with all the legal requirements. Book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our expert lawyers to discuss your legal issues today!
