New geo-blocking rules from 3 December 2018

Equal rights for consumers throughout the EU as of 3 December 2018. From that date, new geo-blocking rules took effect that ensure discrimination against consumers making cross-border purchases is no longer permitted. As a result, consumers can now easily compare prices and shop anywhere in the EU under the same terms and conditions that apply in the country the webshop is based.

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Equal consumer rights in the EU

It can happen that you come across a better deal in a foreign webshop than in its Dutch counterpart. Previously, in most cases the consumer was unable to benefit from price advantages offered in foreign webshops. This practice is prohibited as of 3 December 2018 and you are now able to shop in foreign webshops with the same pricing and terms of sale that apply in the country you are buying from. This means equal consumer rights across the EU, as well as in Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Signs of geo-blocking

Geo-blocking is the unequal treatment of consumers on the basis of nationality, place of residence, or location. The most important examples of geo-blocking are:

  • You want to use a foreign webshop or app and you are denied access due to your location;
  • You are redirected to another version of the website or app without your permission;
  • You are prevented from purchasing products or services;
  • You are subject to different pricing or terms of sale than consumers from another country;
  • A payment method originating in another country is refused.

Geo-blocking complaints contact point

Do you believe that you have been discriminated against on the basis of your nationality, place of residence, or place of establishment? Contact the European Consumer Centre (ECC).