Jurisdiction(s):
European Union

Key definition

B2C definition

What does B2C mean? B2C describes transactions and contracts in which a trader supplies goods, services or digital content to an individual acting for purposes wholly or mainly outside their trade, business, craft or profession (a consumer). It is a widely used shorthand in commercial and consumer law, not a statutory term; however, “consumer” and “trader” are defined in legislation. In England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, B2C contracts are primarily governed by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (quality, remedies and unfair terms), the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 (pre-contract information, distance/off‑premises 14‑day cancellation) and the Consumer Protection from...

EU consumer law for B2C: core and sector-specific legislation, digital and sustainability reforms, advertising, data, e-commerce, payments, product safety/liability, financial services, travel, dispute resolution and enforcement

Published by a LexisNexis EU Law expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note provides a concise overview of the principal consumer directives and regulations that businesses should keep in view when engaging with consumers. It addresses the core legislation relevant to trading or contracting with consumers in the EU, together with other key B2C rules across Advertising and labelling, Data protection, e-commerce, payment, product liability and safety, provision of services, and consumer Disputes and enforcement. Sector-specific consumer legislation is also included. Environmental and life sciences legislation is not covered. For insight into the application and interpretation of EU consumer law, see Practice Note: EU consumer protection cases tracker. To monitor EU consumer protection initiatives (regulations and directives), guidance, and ongoing policy developments, see Practice Note: EU consumer protection-tracker. For consumer rules relevant to the digital sector, see Practice Note: Key EU digital initiatives-summary.

Core EU consumer protection legislation

The table below lists the core consumer protection legislation to consider when trading or contracting with EU consumers. It is complemented by various other key instruments referenced elsewhere in this Practice Note.

Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993...

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Web page updated on 27/05/2026

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