Commission Announces Competition Inquiry Into The E-Commerce Sector

Keywords: competition inquiry, e-commerce, single market

Margrethe Vestager, the EU Commissioner in charge of competition, announced yesterday the opening of an inquiry into the e-commerce sector. The announcement identifies a political desire to examine and likely break down what the Commission regards as business practices that limit or restrict the operation of the "digital" Single Market, such as geo-blocking, by which a consumer can only access a company's website in the country where the consumer is located. The inquiry will examine industry practices and likely involve all the major players in the sector, although there is to be a focus on the consumer electronics industry, clothing sector and creative industries, through information requests and consultation on provisional findings.