These Regulations matter for websites, online ordering flows and digital services. The practical work is making sure customers can identify the business, understand the order process, correct errors and receive the right information before and after contracting online.
Main laws
United Kingdom Regulation
Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002
The Electronic Commerce Regulations 2002 set information and contracting rules for many UK online services.
In forceUnited KingdomPlain-English guide4 practical checks
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
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Quick read
- These Regulations matter for websites, online ordering flows and digital services.
- The practical work is making sure customers can identify the business, understand the order process, correct errors and receive the right information before and after contracting...
Likely relevant if
- Ecommerce stores
- Online service providers
- SaaS and digital-product businesses
Check first
- Display required business and contact information
- Make online order steps clear
- Let customers identify and correct input errors where required
What this means in practice
Key points
- The checkout flow is part of the contract process.
- Footer details, order summaries and confirmation emails should tell one consistent legal story.
- Online contracting checks should happen before a new sales flow goes live.
When this law usually matters
Most businesses do not need to memorise the whole law. The useful starting point is to know when it is likely to affect a contract, customer journey, employee process, data flow or company decision.
Key points
- Ecommerce stores
- Online service providers
- SaaS and digital-product businesses
- Marketplaces and platforms
What to check first
Sense check
- Display required business and contact information
- Make online order steps clear
- Let customers identify and correct input errors where required
- Send appropriate electronic acknowledgements and terms
Documents and workflows to review
Key points
- Website footer and legal notices
- Checkout flow
- Order confirmation emails
- Website terms
- Platform onboarding screens