An EU report on e-commerce shows that 34 per cent of complaints by consumers relate to audio-visual, photographic and information processing equipment, the Department of Information said.

The report is based on a joint Internet sweep conducted in May targeting websites selling electronic equipment and aimed to check whether on-line traders comply with consumer protection legislation transposed in national laws by member states.

Since the development of on-line shopping, the DOI said, electronic products have become the most popular purchased through the Internet. Every year Internet trade is growing rapidly and according to Eurostat, 24 per cent of consumers who made an on-line purchase during 2007, ordered an electronic product.

“However, it is regretted to note that among thousands of fair businesses who comply with legal requirements, there are often others who cause harm to consumers. The 2007 European Consumer Centres Report on E-Commerce shows that 34 per cent of the complaints concern audio-visual, photographic and information processing equipment. Most complaints relate to lack and unclear information; delivery of the product; final price and right of withdrawal. The Distance Selling; Unfair Commercial Practices and E-Commerce Directives are the legal basis for the 2009 Sweep.”

Locally the sweep exercise was carried out by the Consumer Affairs Directorate of the Consumer and Competition Division. Ten websites selling electronic goods were checked in line with the three EU Consumer laws directives. The sweep investigation focused on the following issues:

• contact information about the trader, whereby it is compulsory for trader to furnish consumer with his name, geographical and e-mail address;

• clear information about the total price and the product description; and

• clear information about consumer rights - consumers have right of withdrawal (cooling off period) without giving a reason. The investigation also checked information provided about other consumer rights including warrantees and refunds.

Traders who are in breach of the law will be contacted and asked to clarify their position or correct the problems identified, the DOI said. Legal action will be instituted against traders who fail to comply.