International E-Commerce: What Businesses Need to Know to Operate in Europe and Asia
On August 31, 2021, we gave a presentation at the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) on the topic: “What Businesses Need to Know to Conduct E-Commerce Activities in Europe and Asia.”
Aimed at a group of entrepreneurs, the presentation focused on the main developments affecting the legal framework for e-commerce in the European Union and their implications for businesses engaged in cross-border activities.
A Rapidly Evolving European E-Commerce Framework
Several major reforms are underway or have recently entered into force at the European level.
The presentation notably covered the new VAT rules applicable to e-commerce, requirements relating to cookies and other tracking technologies, and the Digital Services Act (DSA), which is expected to significantly reshape the legal framework governing digital services and online platforms.
For businesses established outside the European Union but targeting European customers, these developments require advance planning in several areas, including invoicing and VAT arrangements, website compliance, cookie consent, user information requirements, and the adaptation of online intermediation models.
Anticipating the Rules Applicable in Each Market
Expanding an e-commerce business internationally cannot rely on a single contractual or regulatory framework.
Businesses need to identify the rules applicable in each target market and factor those requirements into the design of their services, user journeys, and commercial processes from the outset.
The presentation at the Singapore Academy of Law was therefore intended to help entrepreneurs better understand the main differences between the European and Asian regulatory environments and anticipate the obligations likely to affect their e-commerce activities.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Bénédicte DELEPORTE
Avocat
Deleporte Wentz Avocat
September 2021