A new European Parliament study has shown that while online purchasing doubled between 2005 and 2010 across the EU, increased harmonisation of laws is required in order to maintain this level of growth.

The study looked at consumer behaviour and also how sellers have adjusted their behaviour in the online environment. It found that the internet has opened up new opportunities for firms to reach consumers through new advertising and sales channels and made it easier for firms to bring products to market. However, the study noted that barriers to e-commerce for businesses include the costs of developing and maintaining a website, fear of fraud and lack of technical skills. It also cited the lack of an appropriate legal framework for copyright and payment systems as a barrier to further e-commerce growth.

The study also highlighted the emergence of the ‘prosumer’: an individual who is both a consumer and a producer of online content. It stated that because current EU consumer protection rules do not account for prosumers, new laws will need to be introduced to cater for them.

The Parliament concluded by advocating the improvement of consumer protection awareness, enhancing dispute resolution processes and strengthening the support provided to businesses and individuals wishing to develop their e-commerce skills. The Parliament recently adopted the new Consumer Rights Directive, which will strengthen consumer rights in all 27 EU Member States.

Contributed by Carol Plunkett.