Brussels, 02/10/2015 (Agence Europe) - On 30 September, Ecommerce Europe rolled out its pan-European trustmark in eleven countries to stimulate e-commerce by increasing consumer confidence in cross-border transactions.
The latest EU consumer market scoreboard showed that e-commerce remains the weak link in the single market, due to consumers' lack of confidence in buying online in member states other than their country of residence (see EUROPE 11393).
Certified online shops can join the not-for-profit Trustmark for free. It was developed by some 20 national and EU-level e-commerce associations in close cooperation with national and European consumers' associations and presents a clear and comprehensive set of rights and obligations for online sales.
Online merchants carrying the Trustmark commit themselves to clear communication on these rules. Moreover, Ecommerce Europe provides consumers with easy access to a complaint handling system in their own language to solve possible disputes in a fast and low-cost way.
“In an environment with multiple trustmark schemes … it is essential that European regulators give their support to the most reliable and accessible schemes, such as the Ecommerce Europe Trustmark”, said Ecommerce Europe President François Momboisse.
By clicking on the Ecommerce Europe Trustmark logo, consumers will be led to the code of conduct and a clear explanation of their rights and the commitments of the merchant to be clear and transparent on the offer and prices before beginning the order process. Over 10,000 online shops in Europe which are certified by a national association can already carry the Ecommerce Europe Trustmark next to the national trustmark. The final goal is greater harmonisation at European level. (Original version on French by Aminata Niang)