The internal market and consumer protection committee (IMCO) of the European Parliament adopted today a proposal for a new consumer rights directive that sets up a single framework in the field of distance selling (via online, telephone) and off-premises selling (doorstep). ALDE has been working to create a level playing and a unique set of roles enabling both consumers and traders to benefit from the internal market.

The new directive is mostly intended to update and replace existing legislation regarding sales of goods and services from business-to-consumer. It contains
- Europe-wide definitions on the commerce methods mentioned in the directive
- a right of withdrawal for consumers on the same standards throughout Europe
- wide-ranging information duties from trader to consumer in order to enable the consumer to make an informed choice.

Robert ROCHEFORT (Modem, France), shadow rapporteur for ALDE said: "For distance contracts concluded by electronic means (online sales), we foresee a system that ensures that the order corresponds to the consumer's wish (principal characteristics of the good or service, total price, duration if applicable) and that the consumer may check all that before the final validation. With these new rules traders must make consumers clearly aware of the total cost, including all additional costs."

Diana WALLIS (LibDem, UK), responsible for the opinion on the report in the legal affairs committee, added: "From a consumer perspective it was important that Parliament insisted on maintaining the broad ban on pre-ticked boxes, which will also apply to the transport sector. Businesses too will benefit from greater certainty concerning unfair contract terms in use in other Member States."

Jürgen CREUTZMANN (FDP, Germany), ALDE coordinator on the IMCO committee,: "Our principal aim was to ensure full harmonisation of all essential rules to strengthen the single market. This is nearly fully achieved. I am also particularly glad that the ALDE managed to protect craftsmen and other SMEs from excessive administrative burdens for online and off-premise sales."

When the EP plenary voted in March, it only voted on the amendments and postponed the vote on the overall text in order to keep open the chance for a first reading agreement with the Council - which is indeed now in view. The final step will be the plenary vote due for the June II session in Brussels. The text is expected to be voted without further modifications.