ACM reprimands Bralex Webshops for incorrect and incomplete information on its websites

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has forced Bralex Webshops B.V. to adjust information on its websites, and correctly inform consumers about their rights. ACM had launched an investigation into this company after receiving complaints from Dutch consumers. Moreover, the Belgian and German consumer authorities had complained about a number of Bralex's websites. These are websites on which the company offer products such as dietary supplements, flashlights, and other household items to consumers, including Dutch, Belgian and German consumers.

Incorrect information

Bralex's websites, with names such as www.forskolinnaturalis.nl, www.garciniacambogioashop.nl, and www.flashlightq250.com, contained incorrect information about prices and product specifications. For instance, dietary supplements were advertised as coming with a 14-day free trial period, when, in fact, this was not an option. Also stated was that the right of withdrawal would not apply if the dietary supplement containers, which were not sealed, were opened. This is incorrect. Furthermore, consumers did have to pay for the product and its delivery, and the website presented false claims from fake doctors.

Also missing was the relevant information on consumer rights with regard to online purchases, such as correct information regarding the right of withdrawal. The company also used an incorrect interpretation of the start date and the duration of cooling-off period (the right of withdrawal), which is 14 days starting after the day on which the product was received.  Lastly, the full contact details of the company were also missing.

Websites taken offline or adjusted

By now, Bralex has either taken the websites containing the incorrect and incomplete information offline, or adjusted the existing websites, adding information where necessary.