European Parliament Committee paves way for European Sales Law

The details of a future European sales law are emerging. The Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament today adopted its position as the basis for negotiations with Member States. Although long-distance purchases and especially e-commerce know no boundaries, the different legal frameworks applicable in the EU Member States still constitute a barrier to the Single Market. This can be overcome by providing the contracting parties with a European Sales Law, which they are free to choose. "At the moment, the choice of law in Europe resembles a lottery. With the European Sales Law, we can finally provide legal security in cross-border transactions in the internal market", the Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee and European Parliament Rapporteur, Klaus-Heiner Lehne MEP, said.

"In the future, based on the European Sales Law, online sales agreements can be made across Europe. When doing business on the Internet today, nobody really knows which law is applicable. There must not be fraud on the Internet. The European Sales Law must therefore have a high level of consumer protection in order for it to be accepted by consumers. Acceptance is also important for companies because otherwise they cannot offer their products to online retailers successfully throughout Europe on the basis of a uniform law", Lehne said.

"With today's position, we can now work out the details of the European Sales Law with the Member States. Member States should now start negotiations with Parliament so we will soon have a real added-value for consumers and businesses alike. We should finally use this opportunity to strengthen e-commerce in Europe", Lehne said.