AliExpress to abide by European consumer rules

AliExpress will abide by European consumer regulations. Consumers will be informed better about their rights like the legal time frame for returning bought goods, and they will be able to fall back on the European warranty regulations.

Protecting consumers

These promises by the Chinese webshop are made following pressure from the Dutch  Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) and other European regulators. The European Commission was also involved. “Online shopping is developing even faster than before the pandemic. We must protect our consumers and ensure that all sellers operating in the European market respect our rules. I appreciate AliExpress’ efforts to ensure this for their business partners as well,” said Didier Reynders, European Commissioner for Justice.

The changes include respecting the right of returning goods bought and legal warranties following European rules. AliExpress will also have to clarify to customers whether they can expect additional costs or charges upon importation. Finally, customers will be able to file complaints in their home country instead of having to go to court in Hong Kong.

The agreements with AliExpress were made in recent months, and the adjustments are already implemented. The general terms and conditions will be made more readable and identifiable for EU customers by 1 May, reports ACM.