Mandatory information on an entrepreneur’s website and e-shop

Today, a website or e-shop is the calling card of almost every entrepreneur, but alongside the design you must not forget your legal obligations. It is worth knowing what details and information your online presence must contain as early as the stage of setting up a company. In this article, we give a clear overview of the mandatory requirements that will help you avoid unpleasant fines and disputes.

Why the mandatory details matter

The law requires an entrepreneur to state certain identification details and information on their website. This protects both consumers and the integrity of the market. Neglecting these obligations can lead to significant penalties during an inspection, so it pays to give them attention right from setting up the company.

The entrepreneur’s identification details

The basis is a clear identification of who is behind the website. Every visitor, as well as any inspection authority, must know unambiguously who they are actually dealing with.

• Business name and registered office or place of business.
• Identification details such as the company ID (IČO) and the entry in the register.
• Contact details, including an e-mail address.
• Where applicable, the tax ID (DIČ) or VAT ID (IČ DPH).

Mandatory documents for an e-shop

Compared with an ordinary website, an e-shop has further obligations, as it sells directly to consumers. It must therefore contain clear and complete rules on purchasing and on consumer protection.

1. Terms and conditions and the complaints procedure.
2. Information on the right to withdraw from the contract.
3. Privacy policy.
4. Information on the price, delivery and method of payment.

Personal data protection and cookies

If a website processes visitors’ personal data in any way or uses cookies, it must inform them of this transparently and comprehensibly and, where necessary, obtain valid consent. These obligations arise from the rules on personal data protection and should certainly not be underestimated, as data protection authorities are becoming increasingly strict in their inspections. Clear data processing policies are not only an obligation, but also a signal of trustworthiness to customers.

Price labelling and product information

The consumer must always have clear and complete information about the price, including taxes, as well as about the main characteristics of the goods or the service provided. They should also know all related costs in advance, such as the cost of delivery, so that nothing takes them by surprise when ordering. Transparent, truthful and comprehensible information is not only a legal obligation, but also the foundation of long-term customer trust and the company’s good name.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Many entrepreneurs focus on how the website looks and only deal with the mandatory details afterwards, or copy them from someone else without adapting them. That is a risk – copied terms and conditions may not match your business, and missing details can lead to a fine during an inspection. It therefore pays to prepare the mandatory requirements thoroughly and tailor them to your company.

• Do not copy other people’s terms and conditions without adapting them.
• Do not forget to give complete identification details.
• Keep the information up to date.
• Tailor the documents to your business.

How to stay on top of it

The mandatory requirements for a website are part of running a business responsibly from the moment of setting up a company. Bilvao’s accountants and partners will help you find your way through all the obligations and point out exactly what your website or e-shop must contain. However, always check the current requirements against the regulations in force.

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Frequently asked questions

What details must an entrepreneur state on their website?

The basics are the identification details – business name, registered office or place of business, company ID (IČO), details of the entry in the register and contact details, including an e-mail address. For an e-shop, further obligations apply. Check the specific scope against the current regulations.

What must an e-shop contain in addition to an ordinary website?

Above all, an e-shop must have terms and conditions and a complaints procedure, information on the right to withdraw from the contract, a privacy policy and clear information on price, delivery and payment. The aim is consumer protection and transparent purchasing.