The Department of Trade & Industry has finally issued
regulations to implement the European Union E-commerce Directive -
more than seven months after the deadline for implementation of the
directive passed.
The directive, which will come into effect on 21 August, includes
requirements on the information an online service provider must
give a consumer, on the national law that will apply to online
services, and on the information a consumer must have about the
steps to take to conclude an e-contract.
E-commerce minister Stephen Timms said the e-commerce regulations
are an important step towards making the UK "the best place in the
world to do e-commerce".
"After extensive and detailed consultation, we have arrived at the
right framework for UK business and consumers," he said. "[The
regulations] will help to break down barriers across Europe and
b
boost consumer confidence in online shopping."
However, the directive has come in for fierce criticism from
industry bodies such as the Interactive Media in Retail Group
(IMRG).
The group has estimated that the directive could cost UK businesses
£11bn to implement; that compliance could take many months; and
that it might be unworkable for mobile commerce and interactive
television.
"E-commerce is meant to be quick, easy and efficient," said James
Roper, chief executive of the IMRG. "This directive goes too far,
demanding procedures that are unnecessary and not in line with best
practice.
"It is government meddling, with all the art of a Neanderthal
conducting brain surgery.
The directive was passed in June 2000 and was due to be implemented
before 17 January 2000, but only three member states met this
deadline.
www.dti.gov.uk/