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e-Commerce rules in the EU

The Commission is tackling barriers to e-commerce and addressing its risks to ensure people can enjoy full and safe access to goods and services.

The EU’s wants to make e-commerce is safe, sustainable and competitive. The EU has made it easier and safer for European consumers to shop online no matter where they are in the EU, with rules such as

  • the revised Payment Services Directive
  • rules on cross-border parcel delivery services
  • rules to stop unjustified geo-blocking
  • revised consumer protection rules
  • the Digital Services Act package
  • rules to facilitate access to audiovisual services

e-Commerce Communication

The Commission published an e-Commerce Communication in February 2025. This Communication outlines the tools the EU has at its disposal to tackle the surge in low-value imports to the EU market. These imports not only pose a risk to the health and safety of consumers, but also raise challenges for the environment, and create an unfair playing field for businesses. By using current tools and updating others, the Commission hopes to coordinate a holistic approach to e-commerce imports, with checks and guarantees at each stage of the value chain. 

Making cross-border parcel deliveries cheaper

Cross-border parcel delivery prices are on average 3 to 5 times higher than domestic delivery prices for all products. Around 62 % of companies that wish to sell online identify high delivery costs as a problem. This is an obstacle for the development of cross border e-commerce.

EU rules on online cross-border parcel delivery services make it easier to find the cheapest way of sending a parcel from one Member State to another. There is no cap on delivery prices, but businesses now have to disclose their prices clearly, so the consumer can easily compare options. Consumers are able to consult parcel delivery prices on this webpage.

National authorities will collect information every year from parcel delivery companies. Where parcel delivery is subject to a universal service obligation, national regulatory authorities will be required to assess where tariffs are unreasonably high.

Rules to end unjustified geoblocking in the EU

Geo-blocking prevents us buying from a website based in another EU Member State. This creates barriers for consumers in cross-border shopping.

What is the Commission doing about it?

The Commission announced EU-wide rules to end online discrimination on the basis of nationality or place of residence. It also introduced rules to ensure we no longer face unjustified barriers such as being re-routed back to country-specific websites, or having to pay with debit or credit cards from a certain country.

These rules will help ensure that online sellers treat all EU consumers equally regardless of where they choose to shop.

Find more information in the source description. 

Source: digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/e-commerce-rules-eu

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