What does this mean for your webshop? The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy has announced that stricter rules will be introduced for foreign web shops. Liability is made mandatory with the aim of guaranteeing the quality and safety of products and combating unfair competition for Dutch online stores.

From the end of 2023, foreign web shops are obliged to hold someone liable. What does this mean? That there must be a responsible manufacturer or person within the EU for every product.

These rules are necessary because countries outside the EU have different regulations regarding product safety. As soon as unsafe products are identified, all online stores must take these products offline. Because let's be honest, what could be more annoying than receiving a Chinese return address if you want to make a return where you also have to pay the return costs?

In addition to consumer safety, this also leads to unfair competition for Dutch online stores. The new rules are therefore being introduced for Dutch entrepreneurs who do comply with the safety regulations for products.

This announcement demonstrates the Dutch government's commitment to safe and fair trading practices in the eCommerce sector. It will both protect consumers and strengthen the position of Dutch online stores! 🙌