EU works toward commerce rights document

It's no secret that ecommerce is growing at an astounding rate, and now the European Parliament is working to strike a deal between merchants and shoppers that would secure the rights of both.

The initiative will result in the release of the Consumer Rights Directive, a document that Parliament is working to produce, which will help provide a standardised set of rules for all shopping participants to follow. The laws would apply not just to ecommerce, but European commerce in general, as well.

"The balanced approach favoured by European Parliamentarians today will strengthen consumer rights and the functioning of Europe's internal market," explained Viviane Reding, information society and media commissioner. "Today's vote in the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection provides for one set of EU rights for consumers shopping at a distance or off-premises, such as from a door-to-door salesman."

Among the rights to be discussed will be a shopper's right to return merchandise. Shoppers will be able to return items within 14 days for their money back, including shipping fees. Additionally, merchants will be required to pay for any damages to an item incurred during transit.