Website Requirements for Online Shops
Order buttons, withdrawal rights, price display rules, payment security. Running a webshop in the EU comes with legal requirements that many shop owners miss.
Common issues for online shops
Order button text matters
EU law requires your "Buy" button to clearly indicate a payment obligation. "Order with obligation to pay" or similar wording is required in many countries.
14-day withdrawal right
Customers can return most products within 14 days without giving a reason. Your website must clearly explain this before checkout.
Price display rules
Prices must include VAT. Discount claims must show the lowest price from the past 30 days (Omnibus Directive).
Product photos and copyright
Using manufacturer photos without permission, or stock photos of products you sell, can trigger copyright claims.
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Key issues
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Areas checked
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Guides
Real-world enforcement
The EU Consumer Protection Cooperation network (CPC) took coordinated action against 118 online shops in 2024 for violating the Omnibus Directive pricing rules — displaying fake discounts without showing the lowest price from the past 30 days. In Germany, competitors regularly send Abmahnungen to webshops with order buttons that don't meet requirements, costing €500–€1,500 per letter.
Official resources
Areas that apply
Guides for online shops
Dutch Webshop Compliance: Complete Checklist
A full checklist of legal requirements for online shops in the Netherlands. KVK, order buttons, withdrawal rights, pricing rules and more.
"Buy Now" vs "Order": Why Your Button Text Matters Legally
EU law requires specific wording on order buttons. The wrong text could make your orders non-binding. Here is what your checkout button must say.
The 14-Day Withdrawal Right: What Every Online Seller Must Know
EU law gives online shoppers 14 days to return purchases without reason. Here is what you must tell them and how to handle it.
Cookie Banner Requirements 2026: What Actually Counts
Most cookie banners fail basic GDPR requirements. Here is what yours actually needs: reject buttons, no dark patterns, real consent.
Does the European Accessibility Act Apply to Your Business?
The EAA became enforceable in June 2025. Find out if it applies to your business, what it requires and what happens if you don't comply.
GDPR Compliance Checklist for Your Website (2026)
A practical GDPR checklist for small business websites. Check cookies, privacy policy, consent forms, and tracking scripts.
ODR Platform Abolished: Remove the Link From Your Website
The EU Online Dispute Resolution platform was abolished in July 2025. If your website still links to it, here is what to do.
Website Security Checklist: 10 Things to Check Today
A practical security checklist for small business websites. 10 things you can check and fix today without technical expertise.
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