Online stores must create places for the exchange of goods, and online verification of the age of the buyer is mandatory when selling alcohol.
This is included in amendments to the legislation published on April 5 in Monitorul Oficial aimed at stimulating electronic commerce (e-comerț). In particular, trading units engaged in trading activities through electronic means of communication, means of remote communication, contracts concluded remotely, as well as within any other trading units without a selling space, are obliged to create places for the exchange of goods in order to ensure the fulfillment of the obligation to protect the rights of consumers. The place of exchange of goods must be located in the locality at the place of trading activity (according to the notification submitted). At the discretion of the merchant, places of exchange may also be established in other localities. Locations for the exchange of goods (indicating the address, phone numbers, emails) must be published on websites or electronic platforms through which electronic commerce is carried out, or in documents accompanying the sale of goods. Places of exchange of goods will not be considered trade units. For the lack of places for the exchange of goods and information about the place of exchange of goods, including the absence of telephone numbers and email addresses through which you can get advice on the procedure for exchanging goods, fines are provided. According to the amendments to the Code of Contraventions, the fine will be from 50 to 100 cu. - for individuals, from 200 to 400 c.u. - for legal entities. The bill also provides that when selling goods or providing services, economic agents are now required to apply equal discounts to all payment instruments and means, without the right to apply additional discounts when paying in cash, as well as to inform buyers about all payment instruments and means that can be used in the place of payment. Trading units engaged in the online sale of precious metals are exempted from the obligation to own an area of at least 12 sq. m. to conduct business. It introduces an obligation for online alcohol sellers and delivery service employees to verify the age of the buyer, including by personnel responsible for delivery. Merchants or other employees who interact with buyers, including during delivery, are required to require the buyer to present an identity card or other document confirming the age. The law also provides for amendments and additions to the Law on Internal Trade, the Law on Entrepreneurship and Enterprises, the Law on the Regime of Precious Metals and Precious Stones, the Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights, the Law on the Protection of Personal Data, etc. // 06.04.2023 — InfoMarket
