DSE welcomes EU Parliament vote on the "Omnibus" draft directive

On the 22nd of January 2019, the Internal Market and Consumers Committee (IMCO) of the EU Parliament adopted its Opinion on the proposal concerning better enforcement and modernization of EU consumer protection rules ("Omnibus - New Deal for Consumers"), with 37 votes in favour, 1 abstention and 1 vote against.

As regards unsolicited sales, DSE welcomes the Parliament's proposal, as it represents a win-win situation for both consumers and business. Member States will be allowed to introduce national provisions against "aggressive or misleading selling practices in the context of persistent and unwanted solicitations or with regard to commercial excursions".

As for penalties for cross-border infringements (i.e. those harming consumers in at least three EU countries or two countries other than that of the trader), the Parliament voted a maximum amount of fines of €10 000 000 or at least 4% of the trader's annual turnover in the previous financial year in the member state(s) concerned, whichever is higher. This brings is largely in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

DSE continues with its efforts to ensure a positive result during the upcoming negotiations between the Commission, Parliament and Council of Ministers.