EU screening reveals breaches in online second-hand goods sales

A comprehensive screening of 356 online traders, operating websites or platforms selling second-hand goods in 25 (European Union) EU countries, Iceland and Norway, found that 52 per cent were in potential breach of EU consumer protection regulations.

The investigation highlighted that 40 per cent of traders did not clearly inform consumers of their right to withdraw from a purchase within 14 days without justification or additional cost. Furthermore, 45 per cent failed to correctly communicate consumers’ rights to return faulty goods or items that did not match their advertised description, the European Commission said in a release.

Concerns were also raised regarding legal guarantees, with 57 per cent of traders failing to comply with the minimum one-year guarantee period required for second-hand goods. Additionally, environmental claims made by 34 per cent of traders came under scrutiny, as 20 per cent were deemed insufficiently substantiated and 28 per cent were found to be false, deceptive, or categorised as unfair commercial practices.

In response to these findings, consumer authorities have identified 185 traders for further investigation. They will now assess whether further action is necessary to ensure compliance with national and EU consumer protection laws, the release added.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)