ACM lowers fines on two online stores

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has lowered the fines on two online stores after the owners had filed an objection against the fining decisions. The fines initially amounted to EUR 50,000 for both online stores. In the objection proceedings, the owners fully explained their financial situation for the first time, and they substantiated their situation with documentation. Seeing that the imposed fines far exceeded their financial strength, ACM decided to lower the fine on the former owner of Hipvoordeheb to EUR 5,000. The fine on the owner of Kiesdejuistesportbh has been lowered to EUR 10,000. ACM calls on businesses to provide information on their financial situation in a timely manner during the procedure. This helps ACM in setting an appropriate fine.

ACM has imposed fines on the online stores because they failed to inform consumers correctly on their websites about the rules regarding order cancellations (or right of withdrawal) within the cooling-off period. The owners did not contest their violations in the objection proceedings.

Following ACM’s decisions, the online stores have the opportunity to file an appeal with the court.