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Written question asked by Tom Morrison (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Justin Madders (Labour) on Thursday, 4 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Electronic Commerce

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing measures to ensure that (a) the (i) location and (ii) identity of online sellers can be effectively verified and (b) information on where the item will be shipped from is displayed on the UK websites for global selling platforms.

Answer

The increase in e-commerce has provided greater choice and convenience, giving consumers access to global markets. However, this has brought significant regulatory challenges.

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 requires ‘material information’ to be included in any invitation to purchase. The Act prohibits unfair commercial practices, which includes misleading actions and omissions that are likely to impact the average consumer’s transactional decisions.

Government has committed to consult on introducing proportionate requirements to online actors using powers in the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025. This includes the aim for consumers purchasing online to have appropriate safety information.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
72079
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Electronic commerce Location Regulation Sales
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk