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Rules against unjustified geoblocking enter into force

The new rules against unjustified geoblocking entered into force on 22 March 2018 and will be a reality for citizens as of 3 December 2018 – they will be able to find the best deals online when buying goods and services across the EU without being discriminated based on nationality and residence.

The nine-month period gives traders sufficient time to adapt and introduce necessary changes to comply with the EU rules. At the same time, the Member States are requested to appoint responsible institutions for the enforcement of the Regulation. Ending unjustified geoblocking will boost e-commerce in Europe and provide consumers and businesses more opportunities to benefit from the growing European online marketplace.

Vice-President for the Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip, Commissioner for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Elżbieta Bieńkowska and Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, in charge of the Digital Economy and Society, said:

From 3 December onwards, European citizens will enjoy the freedom of shopping goods and services online. This is not only the end of unjustified discrimination but also it opens new opportunities for the European companies to grow and innovate. Ending unjustified geoblocking is part of our efforts to encourage e-commerce across borders in the EU, along with more transparent parcel delivery prices, stronger consumer protection and simplified VAT rules.

Further details about the new rules are available in the press release from November 2017, factsheetFrequently Asked Questions and the guide on 10 most important features for companies to comply with the new rules.

More infromation on cross-border parcel delivery