E-Commerce Sector Inquiry

On 15 September 2016 the European Commission has published its 290 page preliminary report on the e-commerce sector inquiry, the largest ever sector inquiry.

The report confirms the Commission's previous concerns that companies are taking measures to restrict cross-border e-commerce, which would in turn prevent the "EU single digital market". The report analyses the existence and impact of the various practices companies engage in in response to the challenges of e-commerce, both regarding trade in goods and digital content. Companies are now invited to comment on the preliminary findings.

Our briefing sums up what the sector inquiry is about, what the preliminary findings are and the likely outcomes. It also highlights potential problems that can be avoided through taking the right steps now.