Cross-Border Concepts

Question 1

What is geo-blocking, and is it allowed in the EU?

Answer 1

Geo-blocking is when online sellers restrict access or change prices based on a customer’s location. It is generally prohibited in the EU under the Geo-Blocking Regulation, which promotes a single digital market.

Question 2

What is distance selling, and how is it regulated?

Answer 2

Distance selling refers to selling goods/services without face-to-face contact. In the EU, it’s governed by the Consumer Rights Directive (CRD), which mandates pre-contract information, cancellation rights, and delivery rules.

Question 3

What is the de minimis rule?

Answer 3

It’s a threshold under which imported goods are exempt from duties/taxes. This varies by country and plays a huge role in small parcel shipments

Question 4

What is DDP vs DDU in shipping?

Answer 4

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Seller pays import duties.
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Customer pays import duties on delivery.