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Since the end of 2018, a ban on geoblocking has been in effect throughout the EU. For webshops, this means that you may not exclude or treat customers from other EU countries differently purely on the basis of their nationality or place of residence. However, limits remain: you are not required to deliver to every EU country.
What is geoblocking?
Geoblocking is the blocking or differential treatment of customers based on their location or nationality. Within the EU, there is free movement of goods and services, and it is inconsistent with this for a consumer from another EU country to be denied access to your webshop or to pay a different price because of who they are or where they live.
What is no longer allowed?
The Geoblocking Regulation prohibits, among other things, that you deny customers from other EU countries access to your webshop or automatically redirect them to a different (country) version without their consent. You are also not allowed to apply different terms and conditions or prices purely because of the customer's nationality or place of residence, nor may you refuse payment methods for that reason.
What is still allowed?
The ban does not mean that you are obliged to deliver to every EU country. You may limit your delivery area; however, a customer from another EU country must be able to order under the same conditions and, for example, arrange transport themselves or have the goods collected. You therefore determine where you deliver, but you may not treat customers unequally on the basis of their origin.
What does this mean for your webshop?
Check whether your webshop treats EU customers equally: no blocks, no automatic redirection without consent, and no different prices or conditions based on nationality or place of residence. Adjust your terms and webshop settings accordingly to avoid fines and complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I allowed to bar EU customers from my webshop?
No, not on the grounds of their nationality or place of residence. You may not refuse them entry or treat them unequally for that reason.
Do I have to deliver to every EU country?
No. You may limit your delivery area, provided that a customer from another EU country can order under the same conditions and, for example, arranges the transport themselves.
May I charge different prices per country?
Not purely on the basis of the customer's nationality or place of residence. Equal treatment is the guiding principle.
Make your webshop EU-compliant?
Our legal experts check your webshop against geoblocking rules and draft your general terms and conditions via a legal scan. View our contract lawteam or schedule a free consultation.
