What changed, Directive 2005/29/EC

+ ## CHAPTER 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
− ### art_1
+ ### Article 1 — Purpose
− Article 1
+ ### Article 2 — Definitions
− ### art_2
− Article 2
− 
+ (a) ‘consumer’ means any natural person who, in commercial practices covered by this Directive, is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession;
− | (a) | ‘consumer’ means any natural person who, in commercial practices covered by this Directive, is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (b) ‘trader’ means any natural or legal person who, in commercial practices covered by this Directive, is acting for purposes relating to his trade, business, craft or profession and anyone acting in the name of or on behalf of a trader;
− | (b) | ‘trader’ means any natural or legal person who, in commercial practices covered by this Directive, is acting for purposes relating to his trade, business, craft or profession and anyone acting in the name of or on behalf of a trader; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (c) ‘product’ means any good or service including immovable property, digital service and digital content, as well as rights and obligations;
− | (c) | ‘product’ means any goods or service including immovable property, rights and obligations; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (d) ‘business-to-consumer commercial practices’ (hereinafter also referred to as commercial practices) means any act, omission, course of conduct or representation, commercial communication including advertising and marketing, by a trader, directly connected with the promotion, sale or supply of a p…
− | (d) | ‘business-to-consumer commercial practices’ (hereinafter also referred to as commercial practices) means any act, omission, course of conduct or representation, commercial communication including advertising and marketing, by a trader, directly connected with the promotion, sale or supply of…
− | --- | --- |
+ (e) ‘to materially distort the economic behaviour of consumers’ means using a commercial practice to appreciably impair the consumer's ability to make an informed decision, thereby causing the consumer to take a transactional decision that he would not have taken otherwise;
− | (e) | ‘to materially distort the economic behaviour of consumers’ means using a commercial practice to appreciably impair the consumer's ability to make an informed decision, thereby causing the consumer to take a transactional decision that he would not have taken otherwise; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (f) ‘code of conduct’ means an agreement or set of rules not imposed by law, regulation or administrative provision of a Member State which defines the behaviour of traders who undertake to be bound by the code in relation to one or more particular commercial practices or business sectors;
− | (f) | ‘code of conduct’ means an agreement or set of rules not imposed by law, regulation or administrative provision of a Member State which defines the behaviour of traders who undertake to be bound by the code in relation to one or more particular commercial practices or business sectors; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (g) ‘code owner’ means any entity, including a trader or group of traders, which is responsible for the formulation and revision of a code of conduct and/or for monitoring compliance with the code by those who have undertaken to be bound by it;
− | (g) | ‘code owner’ means any entity, including a trader or group of traders, which is responsible for the formulation and revision of a code of conduct and/or for monitoring compliance with the code by those who have undertaken to be bound by it; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (h) ‘professional diligence’ means the standard of special skill and care which a trader may reasonably be expected to exercise towards consumers, commensurate with honest market practice and/or the general principle of good faith in the trader's field of activity;
− | (h) | ‘professional diligence’ means the standard of special skill and care which a trader may reasonably be expected to exercise towards consumers, commensurate with honest market practice and/or the general principle of good faith in the trader's field of activity; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (i) ‘invitation to purchase’ means a commercial communication which indicates characteristics of the product and the price in a way appropriate to the means of the commercial communication used and thereby enables the consumer to make a purchase;
− | (i) | ‘invitation to purchase’ means a commercial communication which indicates characteristics of the product and the price in a way appropriate to the means of the commercial communication used and thereby enables the consumer to make a purchase; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (j) ‘undue influence’ means exploiting a position of power in relation to the consumer so as to apply pressure, even without using or threatening to use physical force, in a way which significantly limits the consumer's ability to make an informed decision;
− | (j) | ‘undue influence’ means exploiting a position of power in relation to the consumer so as to apply pressure, even without using or threatening to use physical force, in a way which significantly limits the consumer's ability to make an informed decision; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (k) ‘transactional decision’ means any decision taken by a consumer concerning whether, how and on what terms to purchase, make payment in whole or in part for, retain or dispose of a product or to exercise a contractual right in relation to the product, whether the consumer decides to act or to ref…
− | (k) | ‘transactional decision’ means any decision taken by a consumer concerning whether, how and on what terms to purchase, make payment in whole or in part for, retain or dispose of a product or to exercise a contractual right in relation to the product, whether the consumer decides to act or to…
− | --- | --- |
+ (l) ‘regulated profession’ means a professional activity or a group of professional activities, access to which or the pursuit of which, or one of the modes of pursuing which, is conditional, directly or indirectly, upon possession of specific professional qualifications, pursuant to laws, regulatio…
− | (l) | ‘regulated profession’ means a professional activity or a group of professional activities, access to which or the pursuit of which, or one of the modes of pursuing which, is conditional, directly or indirectly, upon possession of specific professional qualifications, pursuant to laws, regul…
− | --- | --- |
+ (m) ‘ranking’ means the relative prominence given to products, as presented, organised or communicated by the trader, irrespective of the technological means used for such presentation, organisation or communication;
− ### art_3
+ (n) ‘online marketplace’ means a service using software, including a website, part of a website or an application, operated by or on behalf of a trader which allows consumers to conclude distance contracts with other traders or consumers.
− Article 3
+ ### Article 3 — Scope
− 1. This Directive shall apply to unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices, as laid down in Article 5, before, during and after a commercial transaction in relation to a product.
+ **1.** This Directive shall apply to unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices, as laid down in Article 5, before, during and after a commercial transaction in relation to a product.
− 2. This Directive is without prejudice to contract law and, in particular, to the rules on the validity, formation or effect of a contract.
+ **2.** This Directive is without prejudice to contract law and, in particular, to the rules on the validity, formation or effect of a contract.
− 3. This Directive is without prejudice to Community or national rules relating to the health and safety aspects of products.
+ **3.** This Directive is without prejudice to Community or national rules relating to the health and safety aspects of products.
− 4. In the case of conflict between the provisions of this Directive and other Community rules regulating specific aspects of unfair commercial practices, the latter shall prevail and apply to those specific aspects.
+ **4.** In the case of conflict between the provisions of this Directive and other Community rules regulating specific aspects of unfair commercial practices, the latter shall prevail and apply to those specific aspects.
− 5. For a period of six years from 12 June 2007, Member States shall be able to continue to apply national provisions within the field approximated by this Directive which are more restrictive or prescriptive than this Directive and which implement directives containing minimum harmonisation clauses.…
+ **5.** This Directive does not prevent Member States from adopting provisions to protect the legitimate interests of consumers with regard to aggressive or misleading marketing or selling practices in the context of unsolicited visits by a trader to a consumer’s home or excursions organised by a tra…
− 6. Member States shall notify the Commission without delay of any national provisions applied on the basis of paragraph 5.
+ **6.** Member States shall notify the Commission without delay of any national provisions adopted on the basis of paragraph 5 as well as of any subsequent changes. The Commission shall make this information easily accessible to consumers and traders on a dedicated website.
− 7. This Directive is without prejudice to the rules determining the jurisdiction of the courts.
+ **7.** This Directive is without prejudice to the rules determining the jurisdiction of the courts.
− 8. This Directive is without prejudice to any conditions of establishment or of authorisation regimes, or to the deontological codes of conduct or other specific rules governing regulated professions in order to uphold high standards of integrity on the part of the professional, which Member States …
+ **8.** This Directive is without prejudice to any conditions of establishment or of authorisation regimes, or to the deontological codes of conduct or other specific rules governing regulated professions in order to uphold high standards of integrity on the part of the professional, which Member Sta…
− 9. In relation to ‘financial services’, as defined in Directive 2002/65/EC, and immovable property, Member States may impose requirements which are more restrictive or prescriptive than this Directive in the field which it approximates.
+ **9.** In relation to ‘financial services’, as defined in Directive 2002/65/EC, and immovable property, Member States may impose requirements which are more restrictive or prescriptive than this Directive in the field which it approximates.
− 10. This Directive shall not apply to the application of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of Member States relating to the certification and indication of the standard of fineness of articles of precious metal.
+ **10.** This Directive shall not apply to the application of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of Member States relating to the certification and indication of the standard of fineness of articles of precious metal.
− ### art_4
+ ### Article 4 — Internal market
− Article 4
+ ## CHAPTER 2 — UNFAIR COMMERCIAL PRACTICES
− ### art_5
+ ### Article 5 — Prohibition of unfair commercial practices
− Article 5
+ **1.** Unfair commercial practices shall be prohibited.
− 1. Unfair commercial practices shall be prohibited.
+ **2.** A commercial practice shall be unfair if:(a) it is contrary to the requirements of professional diligence,and(b) it materially distorts or is likely to materially distort the economic behaviour with regard to the product of the average consumer whom it reaches or to whom it is addressed, or o…
− 2. A commercial practice shall be unfair if:
+ **3.** Commercial practices which are likely to materially distort the economic behaviour only of a clearly identifiable group of consumers who are particularly vulnerable to the practice or the underlying product because of their mental or physical infirmity, age or credulity in a way which the tra…
− | (a) | it is contrary to the requirements of professional diligence,and |
− | --- | --- |
+ **4.** In particular, commercial practices shall be unfair which:(a) are misleading as set out in Articles 6 and 7,or(b) are aggressive as set out in Articles 8 and 9.
− | (b) | it materially distorts or is likely to materially distort the economic behaviour with regard to the product of the average consumer whom it reaches or to whom it is addressed, or of the average member of the group when a commercial practice is directed to a particular group of consumers. |
− | --- | --- |
+ **5.** Annex I contains the list of those commercial practices which shall in all circumstances be regarded as unfair. The same single list shall apply in all Member States and may only be modified by revision of this Directive.
− 3. Commercial practices which are likely to materially distort the economic behaviour only of a clearly identifiable group of consumers who are particularly vulnerable to the practice or the underlying product because of their mental or physical infirmity, age or credulity in a way which the trader …
+ ## CHAPTER 2 — UNFAIR COMMERCIAL PRACTICES / Section 1 — Misleading commercial practices
− 4. In particular, commercial practices shall be unfair which:
− 
− | (a) | are misleading as set out in Articles 6 and 7,or |
− | --- | --- |
+ ### Article 6 — Misleading actions
− | (b) | are aggressive as set out in Articles 8 and 9. |
− | --- | --- |
+ **1.** A commercial practice shall be regarded as misleading if it contains false information and is therefore untruthful or in any way, including overall presentation, deceives or is likely to deceive the average consumer, even if the information is factually correct, in relation to one or more of …
− 5. Annex I contains the list of those commercial practices which shall in all circumstances be regarded as unfair. The same single list shall apply in all Member States and may only be modified by revision of this Directive.
+ **2.** A commercial practice shall also be regarded as misleading if, in its factual context, taking account of all its features and circumstances, it causes or is likely to cause the average consumer to take a transactional decision that he would not have taken otherwise, and it involves:(a) any ma…
− ### art_6
+ ### Article 7 — Misleading omissions
− Article 6
+ **1.** A commercial practice shall be regarded as misleading if, in its factual context, taking account of all its features and circumstances and the limitations of the communication medium, it omits material information that the average consumer needs, according to the context, to take an informed …
− 1. A commercial practice shall be regarded as misleading if it contains false information and is therefore untruthful or in any way, including overall presentation, deceives or is likely to deceive the average consumer, even if the information is factually correct, in relation to one or more of the …
+ **2.** It shall also be regarded as a misleading omission when, taking account of the matters described in paragraph 1, a trader hides or provides in an unclear, unintelligible, ambiguous or untimely manner such material information as referred to in that paragraph or fails to identify the commercia…
− | (a) | the existence or nature of the product; |
− | --- | --- |
+ **3.** Where the medium used to communicate the commercial practice imposes limitations of space or time, these limitations and any measures taken by the trader to make the information available to consumers by other means shall be taken into account in deciding whether information has been omitted.
− | (b) | the main characteristics of the product, such as its availability, benefits, risks, execution, composition, accessories, after-sale customer assistance and complaint handling, method and date of manufacture or provision, delivery, fitness for purpose, usage, quantity, specification, geograph…
− | --- | --- |
+ **4.** In the case of an invitation to purchase, the following information shall be regarded as material, if not already apparent from the context:(a) the main characteristics of the product, to an extent appropriate to the medium and the product;(b) the geographical address and the identity of the …
− | (c) | the extent of the trader's commitments, the motives for the commercial practice and the nature of the sales process, any statement or symbol in relation to direct or indirect sponsorship or approval of the trader or the product; |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− | (d) | the price or the manner in which the price is calculated, or the existence of a specific price advantage; |
− | --- | --- |
+ **4a.** When providing consumers with the possibility to search for products offered by different traders or by consumers on the basis of a query in the form of a keyword, phrase or other input, irrespective of where transactions are ultimately concluded, general information, made available in a spe…
− | (e) | the need for a service, part, replacement or repair; |
− | --- | --- |
+ **5.** Information requirements established by Community law in relation to commercial communication including advertising or marketing, a non-exhaustive list of which is contained in Annex II, shall be regarded as material.
− | (f) | the nature, attributes and rights of the trader or his agent, such as his identity and assets, his qualifications, status, approval, affiliation or connection and ownership of industrial, commercial or intellectual property rights or his awards and distinctions; |
− | --- | --- |
+ **6.** Where a trader provides access to consumer reviews of products, information about whether and how the trader ensures that the published reviews originate from consumers who have actually used or purchased the product shall be regarded as material.
− | (g) | the consumer's rights, including the right to replacement or reimbursement under Directive 1999/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 on certain aspects of the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees (8), or the risks he may face. |
− | --- | --- |
+ ## CHAPTER 2 — UNFAIR COMMERCIAL PRACTICES / Section 2 — Aggressive commercial practices
− 2. A commercial practice shall also be regarded as misleading if, in its factual context, taking account of all its features and circumstances, it causes or is likely to cause the average consumer to take a transactional decision that he would not have taken otherwise, and it involves:
+ ### Article 8 — Aggressive commercial practices
− | (a) | any marketing of a product, including comparative advertising, which creates confusion with any products, trade marks, trade names or other distinguishing marks of a competitor; |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− | (b) | non-compliance by the trader with commitments contained in codes of conduct by which the trader has undertaken to be bound, where:(i)the commitment is not aspirational but is firm and is capable of being verified,and(ii)the trader indicates in a commercial practice that he is bound by the co…
− | --- | --- |
− | (i) | the commitment is not aspirational but is firm and is capable of being verified,and |
− | (ii) | the trader indicates in a commercial practice that he is bound by the code. |
− ### art_7
− 
− Article 7
− 
− 1. A commercial practice shall be regarded as misleading if, in its factual context, taking account of all its features and circumstances and the limitations of the communication medium, it omits material information that the average consumer needs, according to the context, to take an informed tran…
− 
− 2. It shall also be regarded as a misleading omission when, taking account of the matters described in paragraph 1, a trader hides or provides in an unclear, unintelligible, ambiguous or untimely manner such material information as referred to in that paragraph or fails to identify the commercial in…
− 
− 3. Where the medium used to communicate the commercial practice imposes limitations of space or time, these limitations and any measures taken by the trader to make the information available to consumers by other means shall be taken into account in deciding whether information has been omitted.
− 
− 4. In the case of an invitation to purchase, the following information shall be regarded as material, if not already apparent from the context:
− 
− | (a) | the main characteristics of the product, to an extent appropriate to the medium and the product; |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− | (b) | the geographical address and the identity of the trader, such as his trading name and, where applicable, the geographical address and the identity of the trader on whose behalf he is acting; |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− | (c) | the price inclusive of taxes, or where the nature of the product means that the price cannot reasonably be calculated in advance, the manner in which the price is calculated, as well as, where appropriate, all additional freight, delivery or postal charges or, where these charges cannot reas…
− | --- | --- |
− 
− | (d) | the arrangements for payment, delivery, performance and the complaint handling policy, if they depart from the requirements of professional diligence; |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− | (e) | for products and transactions involving a right of withdrawal or cancellation, the existence of such a right. |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− 5. Information requirements established by Community law in relation to commercial communication including advertising or marketing, a non-exhaustive list of which is contained in Annex II, shall be regarded as material.
− 
− ### art_8
− 
− Article 8
− 
+ ### Article 9 — Use of harassment, coercion and undue influence
− ### art_9
− Article 9
− 
+ (a) its timing, location, nature or persistence;
− | (a) | its timing, location, nature or persistence; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (b) the use of threatening or abusive language or behaviour;
− | (b) | the use of threatening or abusive language or behaviour; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (c) the exploitation by the trader of any specific misfortune or circumstance of such gravity as to impair the consumer's judgement, of which the trader is aware, to influence the consumer's decision with regard to the product;
− | (c) | the exploitation by the trader of any specific misfortune or circumstance of such gravity as to impair the consumer's judgement, of which the trader is aware, to influence the consumer's decision with regard to the product; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (d) any onerous or disproportionate non-contractual barriers imposed by the trader where a consumer wishes to exercise rights under the contract, including rights to terminate a contract or to switch to another product or another trader;
− | (d) | any onerous or disproportionate non-contractual barriers imposed by the trader where a consumer wishes to exercise rights under the contract, including rights to terminate a contract or to switch to another product or another trader; |
− | --- | --- |
+ (e) any threat to take any action that cannot legally be taken.
− | (e) | any threat to take any action that cannot legally be taken. |
− | --- | --- |
+ ## CHAPTER 3 — CODES OF CONDUCT
− ### art_10
+ ### Article 10 — Codes of conduct
− Article 10
+ ## CHAPTER 4 — FINAL PROVISIONS
− ### art_11
+ ### Article 11 — Enforcement
− Article 11
+ **1.** Member States shall ensure that adequate and effective means exist to combat unfair commercial practices in order to enforce compliance with the provisions of this Directive in the interest of consumers.Such means shall include legal provisions under which persons or organisations regarded un…
− 1. Member States shall ensure that adequate and effective means exist to combat unfair commercial practices in order to enforce compliance with the provisions of this Directive in the interest of consumers.
+ **2.** Under the legal provisions referred to in paragraph 1, Member States shall confer upon the courts or administrative authorities powers enabling them, in cases where they deem such measures to be necessary taking into account all the interests involved and in particular the public interest:(a)…
− Such means shall include legal provisions under which persons or organisations regarded under national law as having a legitimate interest in combating unfair commercial practices, including competitors, may:
+ **3.** The administrative authorities referred to in paragraph 1 must:(a) be composed so as not to cast doubt on their impartiality;(b) have adequate powers, where they decide on complaints, to monitor and enforce the observance of their decisions effectively;(c) normally give reasons for their deci…
− | (a) | take legal action against such unfair commercial practices;and/or |
− | --- | --- |
+ ### Article 11a — Redress
− | (b) | bring such unfair commercial practices before an administrative authority competent either to decide on complaints or to initiate appropriate legal proceedings. |
− | --- | --- |
+ **1.** Consumers harmed by unfair commercial practices, shall have access to proportionate and effective remedies, including compensation for damage suffered by the consumer and, where relevant, a price reduction or the termination of the contract. Member States may determine the conditions for the …
− It shall be for each Member State to decide which of these facilities shall be available and whether to enable the courts or administrative authorities to require prior recourse to other established means of dealing with complaints, including those referred to in Article 10. These facilities shall b…
+ **2.** Those remedies shall be without prejudice to the application of other remedies available to consumers under Union or national law.
− It shall be for each Member State to decide:
+ ### Article 12 — Courts and administrative authorities: substantiation of claims
− | (a) | whether these legal facilities may be directed separately or jointly against a number of traders from the same economic sector;and |
− | --- | --- |
+ Member States shall confer upon the courts or administrative authorities powers enabling them in the civil or administrative proceedings provided for in Article 11:
− | (b) | whether these legal facilities may be directed against a code owner where the relevant code promotes non-compliance with legal requirements. |
− | --- | --- |
+ (a) to require the trader to furnish evidence as to the accuracy of factual claims in relation to a commercial practice if, taking into account the legitimate interest of the trader and any other party to the proceedings, such a requirement appears appropriate on the basis of the circumstances of th…
− 2. Under the legal provisions referred to in paragraph 1, Member States shall confer upon the courts or administrative authorities powers enabling them, in cases where they deem such measures to be necessary taking into account all the interests involved and in particular the public interest:
+ (b) to consider factual claims as inaccurate if the evidence demanded in accordance with (a) is not furnished or is deemed insufficient by the court or administrative authority.
− | (a) | to order the cessation of, or to institute appropriate legal proceedings for an order for the cessation of, unfair commercial practices;or |
− | --- | --- |
+ ### Article 13 — Penalties
− | (b) | if the unfair commercial practice has not yet been carried out but is imminent, to order the prohibition of the practice, or to institute appropriate legal proceedings for an order for the prohibition of the practice, |
− | --- | --- |
+ **1.** Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
− even without proof of actual loss or damage or of intention or negligence on the part of the trader.
+ **2.** Member States shall ensure that the following non-exhaustive and indicative criteria are taken into account for the imposition of penalties, where appropriate:(a) the nature, gravity, scale and duration of the infringement;(b) any action taken by the trader to mitigate or remedy the damage su…
− Member States shall also make provision for the measures referred to in the first subparagraph to be taken under an accelerated procedure:
+ **3.** Member States shall ensure that when penalties are to be imposed in accordance with Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2017/2394, they include the possibility either to impose fines through administrative procedures or to initiate legal proceedings for the imposition of fines, or both, the maximum…
− | — | either with interim effect,or |
− | --- | --- |
+ **4.** For cases where a fine is to be imposed in accordance with paragraph 3, but information on the trader’s annual turnover is not available, Member States shall introduce the possibility to impose fines, the maximum amount of which shall be at least EUR 2 million.
− | — | with definitive effect, |
− | --- | --- |
+ **5.** Member States shall, by 28 November 2021, notify the Commission of the rules and measures referred to in paragraph 1 and shall notify it, without delay, of any subsequent amendment affecting them.
− on the understanding that it is for each Member State to decide which of the two options to select.
+ ### Article 14 — Amendments to Directive 84/450/EEC
− Furthermore, Member States may confer upon the courts or administrative authorities powers enabling them, with a view to eliminating the continuing effects of unfair commercial practices the cessation of which has been ordered by a final decision:
− 
− | (a) | to require publication of that decision in full or in part and in such form as they deem adequate; |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− | (b) | to require in addition the publication of a corrective statement. |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− 3. The administrative authorities referred to in paragraph 1 must:
− 
− | (a) | be composed so as not to cast doubt on their impartiality; |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− | (b) | have adequate powers, where they decide on complaints, to monitor and enforce the observance of their decisions effectively; |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− | (c) | normally give reasons for their decisions. |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− Where the powers referred to in paragraph 2 are exercised exclusively by an administrative authority, reasons for its decisions shall always be given. Furthermore, in this case, provision must be made for procedures whereby improper or unreasonable exercise of its powers by the administrative author…
− 
− ### art_12
− 
− Article 12
− 
− Member States shall confer upon the courts or administrative authorities powers enabling them in the civil or administrative proceedings provided for in Article 11:
− 
− | (a) | to require the trader to furnish evidence as to the accuracy of factual claims in relation to a commercial practice if, taking into account the legitimate interest of the trader and any other party to the proceedings, such a requirement appears appropriate on the basis of the circumstances o…
− | --- | --- |
− 
− | (b) | to consider factual claims as inaccurate if the evidence demanded in accordance with (a) is not furnished or is deemed insufficient by the court or administrative authority. |
− | --- | --- |
− 
− ### art_13
− Article 13
− 
− Member States shall lay down penalties for infringements of national provisions adopted in application of this Directive and shall take all necessary measures to ensure that these are enforced. These penalties must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
− 
− ### art_14
− 
− Article 14
− 
+ 1. Article 1 shall be replaced by the following: ‘Article 1 The purpose of this Directive is to protect traders against misleading advertising and the unfair consequences thereof and to lay down the conditions under which comparative advertising is permitted.’
− | 1. | Article 1 shall be replaced by the following:‘Article 1The purpose of this Directive is to protect traders against misleading advertising and the unfair consequences thereof and to lay down the conditions under which comparative advertising is permitted.’; |
− | --- | --- |
+ 2. in Article 2: — point 3 shall be replaced by the following: ‘3. “trader” means any natural or legal person who is acting for purposes relating to his trade, craft, business or profession and any one acting in the name of or on behalf of a trader.’ — the following point shall be added: ‘4. “code o…
− | 2. | in Article 2:—point 3 shall be replaced by the following:‘3.“trader” means any natural or legal person who is acting for purposes relating to his trade, craft, business or profession and any one acting in the name of or on behalf of a trader.’,—the following point shall be added:‘4.“code owne…
− | --- | --- |
− | — | point 3 shall be replaced by the following:‘3.“trader” means any natural or legal person who is acting for purposes relating to his trade, craft, business or profession and any one acting in the name of or on behalf of a trader.’, |
− | ‘3. | “trader” means any natural or legal person who is acting for purposes relating to his trade, craft, business or profession and any one acting in the name of or on behalf of a trader.’ |
− | — | the following point shall be added:‘4.“code owner” means any entity, including a trader or group of traders, which is responsible for the formulation and revision of a code of conduct and/or for monitoring compliance with the code by those who have undertaken to be bound by it.’; |
− | ‘4. | “code owner” means any entity, including a trader or group of traders, which is responsible for the formulation and revision of a code of conduct and/or for monitoring compliance with the code by those who have undertaken to be bound by it.’ |
+ 3. Article 3a shall be replaced by the following: ‘Article 3a 1. Comparative advertising shall, as far as the comparison is concerned, be permitted when the following conditions are met: (a) it is not misleading within the meaning of Articles 2(2), 3 and 7(1) of this Directive or Articles 6 and 7 of…
− | 3. | Article 3a shall be replaced by the following:‘Article 3a1.Comparative advertising shall, as far as the comparison is concerned, be permitted when the following conditions are met:(a)it is not misleading within the meaning of Articles 2(2), 3 and 7(1) of this Directive or Articles 6 and 7 of …
− | --- | --- |
− | 1. | Comparative advertising shall, as far as the comparison is concerned, be permitted when the following conditions are met:(a)it is not misleading within the meaning of Articles 2(2), 3 and 7(1) of this Directive or Articles 6 and 7 of Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the …
− | (a) | it is not misleading within the meaning of Articles 2(2), 3 and 7(1) of this Directive or Articles 6 and 7 of Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market(*1); |
− | (b) | it compares goods or services meeting the same needs or intended for the same purpose; |
− | (c) | it objectively compares one or more material, relevant, verifiable and representative features of those goods and services, which may include price; |
− | (d) | it does not discredit or denigrate the trade marks, trade names, other distinguishing marks, goods, services, activities, or circumstances of a competitor; |
− | (e) | for products with designation of origin, it relates in each case to products with the same designation; |
− | (f) | it does not take unfair advantage of the reputation of a trade mark, trade name or other distinguishing marks of a competitor or of the designation of origin of competing products; |
− | (g) | it does not present goods or services as imitations or replicas of goods or services bearing a protected trade mark or trade name; |
− | (h) | it does not create confusion among traders, between the advertiser and a competitor or between the advertiser's trade marks, trade names, other distinguishing marks, goods or services and those of a competitor. |
+ 4. Article 4(1) shall be replaced by the following: ‘1. Member States shall ensure that adequate and effective means exist to combat misleading advertising in order to enforce compliance with the provisions on comparative advertising in the interest of traders and competitors. Such means shall inclu…
− | 4. | Article 4(1) shall be replaced by the following:‘1.Member States shall ensure that adequate and effective means exist to combat misleading advertising in order to enforce compliance with the provisions on comparative advertising in the interest of traders and competitors. Such means shall inc…
− | --- | --- |
− | ‘1. | Member States shall ensure that adequate and effective means exist to combat misleading advertising in order to enforce compliance with the provisions on comparative advertising in the interest of traders and competitors. Such means shall include legal provisions under which persons or organ…
− | (a) | take legal action against such advertising;or |
− | (b) | bring such advertising before an administrative authority competent either to decide on complaints or to initiate appropriate legal proceedings. |
− | (a) | whether these legal facilities may be directed separately or jointly against a number of traders from the same economic sector;and |
− | (b) | whether these legal facilities may be directed against a code owner where the relevant code promotes non-compliance with legal requirements.’ |
+ 5. Article 7(1) shall be replaced by the following: ‘1. This Directive shall not preclude Member States from retaining or adopting provisions with a view to ensuring more extensive protection, with regard to misleading advertising, for traders and competitors.’
− | 5. | Article 7(1) shall be replaced by the following:‘1.This Directive shall not preclude Member States from retaining or adopting provisions with a view to ensuring more extensive protection, with regard to misleading advertising, for traders and competitors.’ |
− | --- | --- |
− | ‘1. | This Directive shall not preclude Member States from retaining or adopting provisions with a view to ensuring more extensive protection, with regard to misleading advertising, for traders and competitors.’ |
+ ### Article 15 — Amendments to Directives 97/7/EC and 2002/65/EC
− ### art_15
+ 1. Article 9 of Directive 97/7/EC shall be replaced by the following: ‘Article 9 Inertia selling Given the prohibition of inertia selling practices laid down in Directive 2005/29/EC of 11 May 2005of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practice…
− Article 15
+ 2. Article 9 of Directive 2002/65/EC shall be replaced by the following: ‘Article 9 Given the prohibition of inertia selling practices laid down in Directive 2005/29/EC of 11 May 2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the int…
− | 1. | Article 9 of Directive 97/7/EC shall be replaced by the following:‘Article 9Inertia sellingGiven the prohibition of inertia selling practices laid down in Directive 2005/29/EC of 11 May 2005of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practic…
− | --- | --- |
+ ### Article 16 — Amendments to Directive 98/27/EC and Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004
− | 2. | Article 9 of Directive 2002/65/EC shall be replaced by the following:‘Article 9Given the prohibition of inertia selling practices laid down in Directive 2005/29/EC of 11 May 2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the i…
− | --- | --- |
+ 1. In the Annex to Directive 98/27/EC, point 1 shall be replaced by the following: ‘1. Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market (OJ L 149, 11.6.2005, p. 22).’
− ### art_16
+ 2. In the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of the consumer protection law (the Regulation on consumer protection cooperation) (4) the following point shal…
− Article 16
+ ### Article 17 — Information
− | 1. | In the Annex to Directive 98/27/EC, point 1 shall be replaced by the following:‘1.Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market (OJ L 149, 11.6.2005, p. 22).’ |
− | --- | --- |
− | ‘1. | Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market (OJ L 149, 11.6.2005, p. 22).’ |
− 
− | 2. | In the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of the consumer protection law (the Regulation on consumer protection cooperation) (9) the following point …
− | --- | --- |
− | ‘16. | Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market (OJ L 149, 11.6.2005, p. 22).’ |
− 
− ### art_17
− 
− Article 17
− 
− ### art_18
+ ### Article 18 — Review
− Article 18
+ **1.** By 12 June 2011 the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a comprehensive report on the application of this Directive, in particular of Articles 3(9) and 4 and Annex I, on the scope for further harmonisation and simplification of Community law relating to consumer…
− 1. By 12 June 2011 the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a comprehensive report on the application of this Directive, in particular of Articles 3(9) and 4 and Annex I, on the scope for further harmonisation and simplification of Community law relating to consumer pro…
+ **2.** The European Parliament and the Council shall endeavour to act, in accordance with the Treaty, within two years of the presentation by the Commission of any proposal submitted under paragraph 1.
− 2. The European Parliament and the Council shall endeavour to act, in accordance with the Treaty, within two years of the presentation by the Commission of any proposal submitted under paragraph 1.
+ ### Article 19 — Transposition
− ### art_19
− Article 19
− 
+ ### Article 20 — Entry into force
− ### art_20
+ This Directive shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the *Official Journal of the European Union*.
− Article 20
+ ### Article 21 — Addressees
− This Directive shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
− 
− ### art_21
− 
− Article 21