18:39 17 September 2019
UOKiK: ban on geo-blocking purchases in Europe enters into force
The prohibition of unjustified geo-blocking of customers when shopping in other European countries and more effective operation of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) are the main changes to the amended Act on UOKiK, the provisions of which enter into force on Tuesday, the Office announced in a press release.
As the UOKiK notes, the amendment adjusts Polish law to the EU regulation on unjustified geographical blocking. It prohibits entrepreneurs from discriminating against customers on the basis of nationality, place of residence or business activity. As a result - the Office emphasized - consumers are to have equal access to the offer regardless of the country of the European Economic Area (EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) from which they shop. “The seller cannot, for example, refuse them the sale of goods or reject a payment card,” was indicated.
(PAP)
