CatEx: Changes to Consumer Rights Directive should be amended or abandoned

Catalogue Exchange (CatEx) has said that the European Union (EU) needs to either abandon or amend changes to the Consumer Rights Directive, those considering legal services have been told.

The advice relates to a section which will force retailers into selling to all countries in the EU and offer consumers free returns.

Tim Curtis, deputy chairman of CatEx, told IBTimes.com that unless the industry raises "serious and loud objections" it could soon be mandatory to refund returns postage costs on goods over 40 euros (£35).

"We believe this change would both hinder the development of cross-border trade and disproportionately affect smaller direct commerce businesses, thereby reducing choice for the consumer and, in the longer run, creating upward pressure on prices," he added.

Mr Curtis went on to say that he was concerned about the profitability of members in the UK market, with some already offering free returns on all orders.

Recently, the Office for Trading, a consumer rights watchdog, said that it was launching a study into whether warranties were good value or not.

Published by Rob Stanworth