E-commerce Law Solicitors | Online Trading & Digital Commerce
E-commerce businesses face unique legal challenges from consumer protection regulations to international trading compliance. Whether you're launching an online store, operating a marketplace, or expanding digital sales, our specialist e-commerce law solicitors ensure your business complies with all legal requirements while maximizing growth opportunities.
What Our E-commerce Law Solicitors Can Help With
- Online Trading Compliance: Consumer Contracts Regulations and distance selling
- Marketplace Agreements: Amazon, eBay, and platform seller agreements
- Consumer Protection: Consumer Rights Act and unfair trading regulations
- Digital Services Act: EU DSA compliance for UK businesses
- Terms & Conditions: Website terms, returns policies, and user agreements
- Payment Processing: PCI DSS compliance and payment service regulations
- Cross-border Sales: International e-commerce and customs compliance
- Platform Liability: Intermediary liability and content moderation
Consumer Contracts Regulations
Distance selling has specific legal requirements:
Pre-Contract Information:
- Main characteristics of goods or services
- Total price including taxes and delivery costs
- Payment and delivery arrangements
- Cancellation rights and procedures
- Trader identity and contact details
- Digital content compatibility and functionality
Cancellation Rights:
- 14-day cooling-off period for most purchases
- Clear cancellation instructions and forms
- Refund obligations within 14 days
- Return shipping cost allocation
- Exceptions for customized and perishable goods
- Digital content cancellation waiver requirements
Website Terms and Conditions
Comprehensive terms protect your e-commerce business:
Essential Terms:
- Contract Formation: When and how contracts are formed
- Product Descriptions: Accuracy disclaimers and variation rights
- Pricing: Price display, currency, and error correction
- Payment Terms: Accepted methods, processing, and security
- Delivery: Shipping options, timeframes, and risk transfer
- Returns: Return procedures beyond statutory rights
Liability Management:
- Limitation of liability clauses
- Force majeure and business interruption
- Third-party content and link disclaimers
- User-generated content responsibilities
- Intellectual property protection
- Dispute resolution and governing law
Marketplace Seller Compliance
Online marketplaces have additional obligations:
Platform Requirements:
- Seller Verification: Identity verification and business registration
- Product Compliance: Safety standards and regulatory requirements
- Tax Obligations: VAT registration and marketplace facilitation
- Intellectual Property: Brand protection and counterfeiting prevention
- Customer Service: Response times and quality standards
- Performance Metrics: Account health and suspension risks
Cross-Border Marketplace Sales:
- Import/export compliance and customs declarations
- Consumer law variations by jurisdiction
- Currency conversion and pricing transparency
- International returns and warranty obligations
- Dispute resolution across borders
- Platform liability for non-EU sellers
Digital Services Act Compliance
The EU Digital Services Act affects UK businesses serving EU customers:
Platform Categories:
- Digital Services: Basic hosting and connectivity services
- Hosting Services: Cloud hosting and content hosting
- Online Platforms: Marketplaces and social media platforms
- Very Large Platforms: Platforms with 45+ million EU users
Key Obligations:
- Illegal content removal procedures
- Notice and action mechanisms
- Transparency reporting requirements
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Content moderation policies
- User complaint and appeal systems
Payment Processing and Security
E-commerce payment processing has strict requirements:
PCI DSS Compliance:
- Secure cardholder data storage and transmission
- Regular security testing and monitoring
- Strong access controls and authentication
- Vulnerability management programs
- Information security policy maintenance
- Compliance validation and reporting
Payment Services Regulations:
- Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) requirements
- Open banking and PSD2 compliance
- Payment service provider licensing
- Consumer protection for payment disputes
- Refund and chargeback procedures
- Anti-money laundering obligations
International E-commerce
Cross-border e-commerce involves complex compliance:
Customs and Import Duties:
- Customs declarations and valuations
- Import duty calculations and payments
- Incoterms and delivery responsibility
- Prohibited and restricted goods lists
- Country-specific labeling requirements
- Free trade agreement benefits
Consumer Protection Variations:
- Cooling-off periods and cancellation rights
- Warranty and guarantee obligations
- Language and currency requirements
- Dispute resolution mechanisms
- Local consumer law compliance
- Regulatory authority registration
E-commerce Law Costs
Compliance Setup:
- Website terms and conditions: £500-£2,500
- Privacy policy and cookies: £300-£1,500
- Consumer compliance audit: £1,000-£5,000
- Marketplace seller setup: £750-£3,000
Ongoing Support:
- Regulatory compliance monitoring: £200-£800/month
- Consumer dispute resolution: £300-£1,500 per case
- Platform suspension appeal: £1,000-£5,000
- Cross-border compliance: £1,500-£7,500
Product Liability and Safety
E-commerce businesses have product safety obligations:
- Product Safety Regulations: CE marking and safety standards
- Recall Procedures: Product recall and safety notification
- Liability Insurance: Product liability coverage requirements
- Supply Chain Due Diligence: Supplier verification and monitoring
- Documentation Requirements: Safety certificates and compliance records
- Consumer Injury Claims: Product liability litigation defense
Digital Marketing Compliance
E-commerce marketing must comply with advertising regulations:
- ASA Regulations: Advertising Standards Authority compliance
- Influencer Marketing: Disclosure and transparency requirements
- Email Marketing: PECR and consent management
- Social Media Advertising: Platform policies and legal requirements
- Price Comparison: Fair trading and pricing accuracy
- Environmental Claims: Green marketing and sustainability claims
Why Choose SolicitorConnect for E-commerce Law
- Digital Commerce Experts: Solicitors specializing in online business law
- Platform Experience: Understanding of major marketplace requirements
- Consumer Law Knowledge: Expertise in consumer protection compliance
- International Capability: Cross-border e-commerce expertise
- Technology Understanding: Knowledge of e-commerce platforms and systems
- Commercial Focus: Practical solutions supporting business growth
E-commerce law compliance protects your business while building customer trust and enabling sustainable growth in digital markets.
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.
