What is the problem? Online trustmarks have good, but limited impact

In some countries, national certification schemes inform consumers whether the website complies with a set of rules supervised by the competent authority and whether the guarantees of quality and security of the service applies. This practice can boost consumer confidence in cyberspace.

However, these schemes are often unknown outside consumer's home country. As a result, EU citizens find it difficult to identify reputable e-merchants in other EU markets and are therefore reluctant to shop online from another country;

Why is EU action needed? To develop EU trustmarks for EU-wide trust

The Commission proposes the idea of "EU online trustmarks" to reassure consumers on the reliability of accredited traders.

The Commission will also encourage the establishment of pan-EU price-comparison websites. If certified by an EU trustmark, such sites would help consumers to make informed decisions, when using online retail services. Consumers would benefit from the knowledge that the price comparison site and the listed merchants are accredited and trustworthy. They would find out about shopping opportunities outside their home market and know which foreign sites to trust.

What will the European Commission do?

The European Commission will

In 2011:

• Conduct an impact assessment for the EU online trustmarks. It is important generate broad support among all the stakeholders (existing trustmark schemes, price comparison websites, postal/courier services, payment providers, etc).

In 2012:

• Establish the stakeholder platform of EU online trustmarks.

Contact:

ken.ducatel@ec.europa.eu