October 1, 2018

The Commission has issued updated guidance, in the form of questions and answers, for ending unjustified geo-blocking to help Member States and businesses adapt to the new rules under the Geo-blocking Regulation (2018/302/EU), which will apply across the EU from 3 December 2018. The document expands on the previous questions and answers document published in March 2018.

The idea behind the Regulation, and other measures the Commission has taken, including its proposals to simplify VAT rules, facilitate cross-border parcel delivery and payments, and strengthen consumer protection, is to enable consumers and companies to buy and sell products and services online more easily and confidently across the EU. The new guidance is part of these broader efforts to boost e-commerce. It provides practical assistance to consumers, Member State enforcing authorities and traders.

The Commission has also adopted a new implementing act to assist in the rollout of the new rules on cross-border parcel delivery services, which came into force earlier this year. The document specifies the information that parcel delivery service providers will have to provide to national regulators. The Commission says that this will lead to increased transparency and improved regulatory oversight in the EU parcel market. To read the Commission’s press release in full and to access the new documents, click here.