Ehandelsloven

Ehandelsloven, or the E-commerce Act, is Danish legislation that regulates online commerce and related information duties to consumers. The law implements European Union rules on electronic commerce and provides a framework for how traders present information, form contracts, and handle consumer rights in online transactions.

Scope and key provisions

The act applies to traders who offer goods or services to consumers in Denmark or who direct electronic communications to Danish consumers. It requires traders to provide clear, easily accessible information before a consumer completes a purchase. This typically includes the trader’s legal name, physical address, email contact, registration or corporate number, VAT details where applicable, and the terms of sale. The information must be presented in a transparent manner, and the contract formation process should be clear, with binding acceptance only after the consumer has confirmed the order.

Right of withdrawal and consumer protections

Ehandelsloven transposes EU rules on distance selling, giving consumers a right of withdrawal within a specified period (commonly 14 days) for distance contracts, subject to certain exceptions. Consumers must be informed of the withdrawal right and the process for returning goods and obtaining refunds. The act also covers complaint handling and remedies for defective goods or services, including repair, replacement, price reduction, or contract termination, in line with broader EU consumer protections.

Liability and enforcement

Traders are liable for the goods and services they offer online, and non-compliance with the information duties, contract formation rules, or withdrawal rights can lead to enforcement action and penalties by Danish authorities. The law operates alongside wider data protection and consumer rights regulations within the EU.

Relation to broader framework

Ehandelsloven complements EU directives on electronic commerce, consumer rights, and data privacy, providing the national rules that Danish businesses must follow when selling online to consumers.