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E-commerce Law

Do I need to register a company for an online shop?

Yes, regular commercial activity requires registration as an Individual Entrepreneur or LLC.

What laws apply to selling digital products?

The same consumer and e-commerce laws apply, but return policies differ (digital content is usually non-returnable once downloaded).

Can I sell globally from Georgia?

Yes, but you must comply with import/export regulations and potential tax obligations in destination countries.

Is website accessibility mandatory?

While not strictly enforced yet, it is good practice and may become mandatory under future discrimination laws.

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3 min

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E-commerce Law is a rapidly growing and complex field regulating the online trade of goods and services. In Georgia, e-commerce is governed by several key acts, including the Law on E-Commerce and the Law on Consumer Rights Protection. Any online store, marketplace, or digital platform is obliged to comply with these regulations, which cover information transparency, consumer rights, data protection, and electronic contracts.

Starting an online business is technically easy but legally risky. Incorrectly drafted "Terms & Conditions," insufficient website information, or a wrong tax structure can lead to heavy fines. Legal.ge offers e-commerce law experts who will help bring your digital business within the legal framework so you can focus on sales growth.

What does the E-commerce Law Service cover?

The service covers all legal aspects of online business:

  • Website Legal Audit: Checking the site for compliance with legislation (mandatory details, price indication, language requirements).
  • Documentation Package: Individual drafting of Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Return Policy.
  • Electronic Transactions: Ensuring the legal force of "Click-wrap" and "Browse-wrap" agreements.
  • Tax Consultation: Specific e-commerce tax regimes (VAT, cross-border trade, small business status).
  • Intellectual Property: Protecting brand, domain, and copyright (photos, content) in the online space.
  • Marketplace Regulation: Defining the platform's (intermediary) liability in the relationship between seller and buyer.

Common Real-World Scenarios

The following challenges are common in e-commerce:

  • Dropshipping Model: A company sells items it doesn't physically possess. How is liability for delivery and quality distributed?
  • Cross-Border Sales: A Georgian site sells items to Europe. Do GDPR and European VAT rules apply?
  • Copyright Infringement: A competitor stole product descriptions and photos. How to restore rights quickly?
  • Consumer Claims: A buyer demands compensation for delayed delivery. What is the limit of the store's liability?

Legal Framework: Information Society

The Law on E-Commerce establishes the service provider's obligation to provide consumers with full information about themselves and the service. The law also regulates commercial communications and the electronic order placement procedure. Additionally, the Civil Code regulates distance sales. Within the framework of the Association Agreement with the EU, Georgian legislation is largely harmonized with European directives.

Step-by-Step Service Process

  1. Diagnostics: Studying the business model (B2B, B2C, C2C).
  2. Documentation: Preparing legal documents and integrating them into the website.
  3. Payments: Setting up agreements with payment systems.
  4. Support: Ongoing legal consultation during operations.

Why choose a specialist on Legal.ge?

E-commerce is not just an IT issue; it is primarily a legal relationship. Lawyers on Legal.ge will help you build a solid foundation for your online business to avoid fines and gain consumer trust. Turn your startup into a successful and protected business.

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