Are you risking massive fines without realising it?
If you operate an online shop under your own domain in the EU, there is a new regulation that requires your immediate attention: the Omnibus Directive (EU 2019/2161). Since the 28 May 2022 this law is in force and is changing the e-commercein all 27 EU member states and beyond. Non-compliance is not just a legal stumble – it could cost you up to 4 % of your annual turnover costs.
Why you need to act now
- Universal applicability: The Omnibus Directive affects all independent online retailers within the EU and non-EU companies, that sell to EU consumers.
- Strenge Penalties: Non-compliance may result in fines of up to 4 % of your annual turnover lead, not just your profit.
- High risk for companies with low margins: A penalty based on turnover can be devastating, especially for companies with low profit margins.
Many large companies have already implemented this directive, underlining its legal importance and urgency. Companies like About You have already successfully implemented the 30-day lowest price rule (see screenshot from November 14, 2024).
Are you looking for a simple way to automate this process?
The CartCraft Price Tracker App takes over the price monitoring effortlessly and ensures that you always compliant are, without manual effort.
What does the Omnibus Directive contain?
The most important aspect of the omnibus policy for your online store is the 30-day lowest price rule. If you offer a discount, you must now use the lowest price< /strong> indicate the price at which the product was sold in the last 30 days. This prevents misleading discounts and ensures transparency for your customers. Without exception every product in your range must comply with this rule.
In addition to the lowest price rule, other points of the guideline are relevant:
- Transparency in customer reviews: Make sure all reviews come from real buyers and avoid fake reviews.
- Clear dealer identification: Clearly indicate whether you are a commercial dealer or individual and provide easily accessible contact information.
- Personalized Pricing Disclosure: Inform your customers when prices are adjusted based on personal information, while complying with GDPR.
- Expanded consumer rights:Provide clear information and fair return policies for digital products and services.
Risks of non-compliance
- Financial Penalties: Fines can reach up to 4% of your annual turnover.
- Legal Consequences: Increased risk of lawsuits and legal scrutiny.
- Reputational damage: Loss of customer trust and negative public relations.
Understanding the 4% Penalty: Sales vs. Profit
It’s crucial to understand the difference between sales and profits:
- Sales (Revenue):The total income from sales before expenses such as cost of goods sold, operating expenses and taxes are deducted.
- Profit:The amount that remains after all expenses have been deducted from sales.
Example:
If your annual turnover is 1 million euros but your profit is only 50,000 euros, a 4% penalty on the turnover would be 40,000 euros. This would eat up almost all of your annual profits and could put a serious strain on your business.
Are you struggling to keep up with this requirement?
Discover the CartCraft Price Tracker App , which automates price monitoring and compliance, saving time and reducing risks.
Who must comply with the Omnibus Directive?
- Independent online shop owners: If you operate your own e-commerce website within the EU, this law applies to you.
- Active across the EU: The directive is in force in all 27 EU member states, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain and many more.</li >
- Beyond the EU: Non-EU companies that sell to EU consumers must also comply with these regulations.
Immediate steps to ensure compliance
The implementation of the Omnibus Directive requirements may vary depending on the Content Management System (CMS) of your online shop. Below are professional solutions for some of the most popular CMS platforms to help you comply efficiently.
Shopify
Recommended and cheapest solution in the Shopify App Store: CartCraft Price Tracker
The app runs technically flawlessly and all important functions are integrated. Although the Shopify Markets integration is still missing, a simple translation function is already available – and the expansion is coming soon.
Features:
- Easy Installation: Just install the app and place the theme app block on your product page near the product price.
- Automatic price recording: The app starts recording prices immediately without the need for manual input.
- Automated display:Automatically displays the lowest price of the last 30 days on your product pages.
- Customizable design: Customize the language, font and positioning to match your store’s branding.
Vorteile:
- Erschwingliche Preise: Pläne beginnen bei nur 5$ pro Monat mit einer 7-tägigen kostenlosen Testphase.
- Zeiteinsparung: Beseitigt manuelles Tracking und reduziert das Risiko von Fehlern.
- Mühelose Compliance: Gewährleistet kontinuierliche Einhaltung mit minimalem Aufwand.
WooCommerce (WordPress)
Installation of price monitoring plugins
To implement the Omnibus policy in your WooCommerce shop, it is crucial to use appropriate plugins that automate price monitoring and display. Here are some recommended plugins and instructions on how to set them up:
Recommended Plugins:
- Omnibus — show the lowest price:</ a> This plugin saves the current price and adds lowest price and expiry date fields in the product editing section. It displays this information on the product page andsupports plugins such as WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads and LearnPress.
- PRyC WP: Omnibus for WooCommerce: This plugin adds lowest price and expiration date fields in the product editing section and displays this information on the product page. However, it does not support product variants.
- PerfectWP – WC Omnibus:</strong > This plugin shows the lowest price in the last 30 days before a price reduction and supports product variants. It tracks all price changes and is compatible with WPML and Polylang.
Considerations:
- Make sure the plugin you use is updated regularly and is compatible with your version of WooCommerce.
Magento
To implement the Omnibus policy in your Magento store, it is crucial to use appropriate extensions that automate price monitoring and display. Here are some recommended extensions and guides for implementation:
Recommended extensions:
- Magefan’s Omnibus Price Tracker:< /a> This extension allows you to track price changes and display the lowest price in the last 30 days on product pages. It supports compliance with the EU Omnibus Directive and offers transparent pricing for customers.
- Macopedia’s Magento 2 Omnibus Directive Module:</a > This module adds historical prices to product attributes,saves the minimum price of the last 30 days and displays it on the product page. It also includes a cron job that deletes historical prices older than 30 days
Notes:
- Installation and configuration of these extensions may require technical expertise; consider hiring a Magento developer if necessary.
- Update extensions regularly to benefit from the latest features and bug fixes.
PrestaShop
Installation of legal compliance modules
To implement the Omnibus policy in your PrestaShop, it is crucial to use appropriate modules that automate price monitoring and display. Here are some recommended modules and implementation guides:
Recommended modules:
- PrestaShop Omnibus – Product price change history:This module archives price changes of products and combinations and informs your customers about the lowest price of promotional products in the past legal period. It supports multiple languages, currencies and multistore configurations
- Omniverse Pricing – EU Omnibus Directive compliant: This module creates a price overview and informs the consumer about the lowest price of the product in the 30 days before the action. It supports different currencies, languages and customer groups
Tips:
- Make sure the module you use is updated regularly and is compatible with your PrestaShop version.
BigCommerce
Implementation of customer-specific solutions
To implement the Omnibus policy in your BigCommerce store, you can use the Omnibus Pricing Use an app specifically designed to comply with this policy.
Omnibus Pricing App Features:
- Automatic price display: Displays the lowest price in the last 30 days on discounted products, including BigCommerce discount codes.
- Customizable campaign lengths: Allows you to adjust the lowest price period according to your country’s legal requirements.
- Live Chat Support:Provides real-time support for smooth installation and configuration.
- 30-day price history: Provides a block that shows price history over the last 30 days to ensure transparency for your customers.
Notes:
- Make sure the app is updated regularly and is compatible with your BigCommerce version.
- Document all adjustments for future reference.
OpenCart
How to use price history extensions
Price History EU OMNIBUS Directive :This extension allows you to track, monitor and analyze price changes to comply with the requirements of the EU Omnibus Directive. It records the lowest price within the last 30 days and displays it on the product page.
Considerations:
- Ensure Compatibility: Make sure the extensions are compatible with your OpenCart version.
- Regular Updates: Keep extensions up to date to benefit from security updates and new features.
Showing the lowest price in the last 30 days during discount promotions is the most important aspect you should prioritize. In addition to this measure, there are other requirements of the Omnibus Directive that must also be taken into account in order to be legally protected.
Verify customer reviews
- Use methods that confirm that reviews come from real buyers.
- Inform your customers transparently about how you ensure the authenticity of reviews.
Update terms and conditions
- Ensure all contact information is easily accessible.
- Inform your customers about personalized pricing, if applicable.
Train the team
- Train your team so they understand the new regulations and know how to comply with them.
Obtain legal advice
- Seek knowledgeable legal professionals to ensure full compliance with the policy.
Using compliance as a competitive advantage
The embrace of the Omnibus Directive can bring the following benefits to your organisation:
- Build trust: Transparency promotes customer loyalty.
- Stand out: Differentiate yourself from competitors who may not be compliant.
- Increase sales: Satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend your company.
The time to act is now
Every day without compliance is a risk you cannot afford. Don’t wait for fines or lawsuits to hold you accountable.
Curious how the Cartcraft Price Tracker Appcan improve your Shopify store? Check out our easy installation guide below. It will guide you through the setup process so you can explore the app’s functionality and decide whether it meets your needs. Take your time and see how easy it is to get started.
Visit the Shopify App Store and search for “CartCraft Price Tracker” to get started.
Did you find this article helpful?
Share it with other online store owners to create a transparent and fair e-commerce landscape for everyone.
Keep your finger on the pulse – ensure your online shop is compliant today!
Disclaimer:
This blog article does not constitute legal advice. The information has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief, but does not replace professional advice from a qualified lawyer. We recommend that you obtain comprehensive information independently of this article and consult a professional if you have any legal questions. Please note that we at CartCraft have developed our own product that aims to best meet the requirements of the Omnibus Directive. Although we are convinced that our product offers an optimal solution and we have invested a lot of effort in its development, we have a legitimate interest in promoting this product in this article.
christian
- 42 ARTICLES
- 42 ARTICLES
