Distance selling

When someone buys a product or service online rather than in a physical shop, this is known as distance selling. There are several legal issues you should consider before your company starts selling internationally through an online shop.

For B2B sales, the parties are largely free to agree their own terms of purchase. There is no mandatory legislation that cannot be waived by contract. Some countries may have specific rules for online B2B transactions, so you should check the requirements in each market.

When selling internationally to consumers (B2C), you need to be aware of mandatory local laws. If your company sells directly to consumers through an online store in a specific market, you must adapt your terms and conditions of sale to local regulations. This is particularly important if your company targets the local market, for example by offering payment in the local currency or providing a website in the local language.

Please note the following:

• What information is required on the website
• Rules on the right to cancel and return goods
• The buyer's rights to make a complaint and claim under warranty
• Delivery time requirements
• Requirements for storing and handling personal data
• Requirements for dispute resolution

When selling to countries outside the EU/EEA, you must familiarise yourself with each country's rules on distance selling and consumer protection. The same legal considerations also apply here. If you choose not to present your business as a local operator, but instead sell through your general international website outside the EU/EEA, we recommend clearly stating on the website that Norwegian law applies.