Legal obligation to register as a business

A timely reminder for those eBayer's whose hobby has grown into a successful business, without them realising they could be falling foul of the law. If you are not sure please check up before they come looking for you!!

Regards
Steve H

We'd like to remind business sellers on eBay.co.uk that you should register as an eBay business now, if you haven't already done so.

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 came into force in the UK on 26th May 2008. The regulations introduce a general duty not to trade unfairly and seek to ensure that traders act honestly and fairly towards their customers. It is a criminal offence in the UK for a business to falsely claim or create the impression that it is not acting for purposes relating to its trade, business, craft or profession or to falsely represent itself as a consumer.

Sellers who mislead potential buyers into thinking that they are a private individual when they are in fact a business seller (i.e. by not registering as a business seller with eBay) will be breaking the law.

Find out more about eBay.co.uk - the law and policies that affect you.

Business sellers on eBay.ie should note that the same offence also exists in Ireland (under the Consumer Protection Act 2007 - 1 May 2007). For more information, go to: eBay.ie - the law and policies that affect you

Regards,

The eBay Team