In a concerning development for online shoppers, the Czech Trade Inspection Authority (ČOI) has revealed that nearly 85 percent of the 125 e-commerce sites inspected during this year’s second quarter were operating in violation of consumer protection laws. The authority has issued 167 legally binding fines totaling approximately 3.45 million Czech crowns. This marks only a slight improvement from last year’s findings when 87 percent of 194 inspected online retailers were found non-compliant, resulting in 263 penalties worth 3.43 million crowns.
The inspection authority strategically targets online retailers where violations are suspected, including sales conducted through mobile applications and social media platforms. “Social media environments pose particular risks to consumers, as they often fail to provide mandatory information about sellers. Consequently, consumers enter into contracts without knowing who they’re dealing with or understanding their rights regarding contract termination and potential claims,” the inspection authority stated.
Between April and June, inspectors documented 386 violations. Among these, 173 cases involved breaches of consumer protection laws, with the most common offense—occurring 63 times—being failure to inform customers about warranty procedures. Additionally, 52 cases of unfair business practices were identified, where retailers provided false or misleading information about products, services, or consumer rights.
The inspection authority also found 151 violations of the Civil Code, with 62 additional cases involving other legal regulations. These findings highlight the persistent challenges in ensuring online marketplace compliance with consumer protection standards.
The Czech Trade Inspection Authority plays a crucial role in consumer rights protection and handles out-of-court resolution of consumer disputes. Its mandate covers the inspection of businesses and entrepreneurs offering goods and services, though it doesn’t monitor the quality of food, meals, or tobacco products. The organization operates through a central inspectorate with seven regional offices located in major Czech cities.