Andy Brown, director of industry competitiveness, said: “Print brokers, dotcoms and intermediaries will be concerned this morning. It has surprised many.”
The directive, to build confidence in e-commerce, has a welter of rules such as immediately acknowledging an e-order electronically.
Firms must provide ways for customers to change orders and give details such as the site’s owner, postal and e-mail addresses for customer communication.
Penalties include paying statutory damages, orders to change methods or closure of websites.
David Bishop, parliamentary officer for the Federation of Small Businesses, said awareness was limited among small firms, which would need guidance.
Story by Jez Abbott
