E-commerce Lawyer Greece

Legal Support for E-shops & Online Businesses

An E-commerce Lawyer Greece can assist online stores and digital businesses with the legal requirements governing electronic commerce, consumer transactions, personal data and the operation of websites in Greece and the European Union.

Running an e-shop involves more than creating a website and accepting online payments. Businesses selling products or services online must consider consumer protection rules, distance contracts, privacy and GDPR requirements, commercial terms, returns, advertising and the information presented to customers before they complete an order.

The Law Office of Anna Deftereou provides legal assistance to e-shops, online businesses and companies operating or selling to customers in Greece.

We can review an existing online store or assist with the preparation of the legal documents and terms required for a new e-commerce business.

E-commerce Lawyer Greece – Legal Services

The legal requirements of an online business depend on its activities, customers and the way products or services are sold.

Our legal assistance may include:

Terms and Conditions;
Privacy Policy;
Cookie Policy;
GDPR compliance;
consumer information requirements;
returns and refund policies;
right of withdrawal;
distance-selling rules;
payment and delivery terms;
website legal notices;
e-commerce contracts;
review of online checkout procedures;
promotional and advertising practices;
B2C e-commerce compliance;
legal review of an existing e-shop.

Greek consumer legislation applies to distance contracts and online commerce, while additional EU rules may also apply depending on the nature of the business. The Greek General Secretariat of Commerce specifically identifies Law 2251/1994 and its distance-contract provisions as part of the legal framework governing e-commerce.

Legal Requirements for an E-shop in Greece

An e-shop must provide consumers with clear information before an online transaction is completed.

Depending on the business and transaction, this can include information concerning:

identity of the business;
contact details;
characteristics of products or services;
total price;
taxes and additional charges;
delivery;
payment methods;
right of withdrawal;
returns;
contractual terms;
complaint procedures.

The Greek E-Commerce Consumer Code also requires businesses to provide consumers with clear and accessible pre-contractual information.

Simply copying the legal pages of another website is not an appropriate way to establish compliance, because the terms should reflect the actual operation of the particular business.

Terms and Conditions for E-shops

Terms and Conditions establish the contractual framework between an online business and its customers.

They can regulate issues such as:

ordering process;
acceptance of orders;
prices;
payment methods;
shipping;
delivery;
product availability;
cancellations;
returns;
refunds;
warranties;
customer obligations;
intellectual property;
applicable law.

The terms should correspond to the actual procedures followed by the e-shop.

For example, a business should not publish delivery, refund or cancellation terms that are inconsistent with the way orders are actually processed.

Privacy Policy for E-commerce Websites

An online store normally processes personal data at multiple stages of the customer relationship.

This may include:

name;
address;
telephone number;
email address;
order information;
delivery details;
account information;
customer communications;
technical information concerning website use.

A Privacy Policy should explain how personal data is processed and provide the information required under the applicable data-protection framework.

The Greek E-Commerce Consumer Code specifically requires online businesses to maintain an understandable, lawful, accessible and updated personal-data protection policy.

GDPR and E-commerce

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies to the processing of personal data within its scope and is particularly relevant to e-commerce businesses.

An e-shop may process personal data for different purposes, including:

completing orders;
delivering products;
issuing invoices;
providing customer support;
maintaining customer accounts;
preventing fraud;
sending marketing communications;
analysing website activity.

Each processing activity should have an appropriate legal basis and the customer should receive the information required by applicable data-protection law.

GDPR compliance should therefore extend beyond simply placing a Privacy Policy on the website.

Cookie Policy

Many websites use cookies and similar technologies for different purposes.

These can include:

essential website functions;
shopping cart functionality;
user preferences;
analytics;
advertising;
remarketing.

The legal treatment can differ depending on the purpose and type of technology used.

A Cookie Policy should clearly explain the relevant technologies used by the website and their purposes.

Where consent is legally required, the website’s consent mechanism should correspond to the actual technologies being deployed.

Cookie Banner and Consent

A cookie banner should not be considered merely a visual element added by a web developer.

Its configuration should correspond to the website’s actual use of cookies and tracking technologies.

Depending on the website, this may involve services such as:

Google Analytics;
advertising platforms;
social media integrations;
marketing pixels;
embedded third-party content.

Legal wording and technical implementation therefore need to work together.

Consumer Protection for Online Stores

E-commerce businesses selling to consumers are subject to consumer-protection requirements.

Greek legislation regulates distance contracts, while the Greek E-Commerce Consumer Code establishes additional principles for online B2C transactions.

Businesses should pay particular attention to:

clear product information;
transparent prices;
delivery information;
cancellation rights;
return procedures;
unfair contractual terms;
misleading advertising;
complaint handling.

Official information regarding consumer rights and complaints is available from the Greek General Secretariat of Commerce – Consumer Protection.

Right of Withdrawal – 14 Days

One of the most important rules for many B2C online transactions is the consumer’s right of withdrawal.

For qualifying distance contracts, consumers generally have a 14-day period during which they can withdraw without having to provide a reason, subject to the applicable conditions and statutory exceptions.

Greek consumer authorities confirm the 14-calendar-day right of withdrawal for qualifying distance contracts.

An e-shop should therefore clearly explain:

whether the right applies;
applicable period;
how withdrawal can be exercised;
return procedure;
return costs;
refund procedure.

Exceptions to the Right of Withdrawal

The 14-day rule should not be presented as applying identically to every product or service.

European and national consumer law provides exceptions in specified circumstances.

The applicable rules may differ for certain:

customised products;
perishable goods;
sealed products;
digital content;
services;
other categories covered by statutory exceptions.

The Terms and Conditions should therefore reflect the products or services actually sold by the business.

Returns and Refund Policy

An e-shop’s returns policy should clearly distinguish between different situations.

These can include:

consumer withdrawal;
defective goods;
incorrect products;
damaged deliveries;
commercial voluntary returns offered by the business.

These situations do not necessarily create identical legal rights.

A well-drafted policy helps both the consumer and the business understand which procedure applies.

Product Prices and Additional Charges

Consumers should receive clear information about the price of products or services before completing an order.

The information should address, where relevant:

product price;
VAT;
delivery charges;
additional costs;
total amount payable.

The Ministry of Development also identifies total price, taxes, shipping costs and payment information among the important information consumers should receive when purchasing online.

Hidden or unclear additional charges can create consumer-law problems.

Delivery Terms

Delivery is another important part of an e-shop’s contractual framework.

Terms should explain matters such as:

available delivery methods;
geographic areas served;
estimated delivery times;
delivery charges;
procedure where delivery cannot be completed;
responsibility for incorrect customer information.

The wording should reflect the business’s real logistics arrangements rather than generic terms copied from another online store.

Payment Terms

Online stores may accept payments through:

credit or debit cards;
bank transfers;
payment gateways;
cash on delivery;
digital payment providers;
other payment methods.

The Terms and Conditions should clearly explain which methods are available and when the customer becomes liable for payment.

Where third-party payment providers are used, their role should also be considered when reviewing the website’s privacy and contractual documentation.

E-shop Legal Documents

A typical e-commerce website may require several legal documents rather than a single generic “Legal” page.

Depending on the business, these may include:

Terms and Conditions;
Privacy Policy;
Cookie Policy;
Returns and Refund Policy;
Shipping Policy;
withdrawal information;
legal notice;
consent wording;
marketing/privacy notices.

The exact documents required depend on the business model and website functionality.

B2C E-commerce

Businesses selling directly to consumers generally face more extensive consumer-protection obligations than purely business-to-business operations.

The Greek E-Commerce Consumer Code applies to online transactions involving sales of goods or services between suppliers and consumers.

For B2C e-shops, particular attention should be given to:

pre-contract information;
consumer rights;
withdrawal;
refunds;
delivery;
warranties;
complaint handling.

B2B E-commerce

An online business selling exclusively to other businesses may operate under a different contractual framework.

B2B terms can address issues such as:

payment deadlines;
invoicing;
delivery;
liability;
commercial warranties;
contractual termination;
jurisdiction;
applicable law.

A website serving both businesses and consumers may need to distinguish clearly between B2B and B2C transactions.

E-commerce and Marketplaces

Businesses may sell not only through their own website but also through third-party marketplaces.

Depending on the activity, additional European rules can become relevant.

The Greek General Secretariat of Commerce specifically notes the relevance of the EU Digital Services Act (Regulation EU 2022/2065) to businesses participating in marketplaces in Greece or the European Union, particularly the provisions concerning online marketplaces.

The legal obligations of the business should therefore be reviewed according to where and how products are sold.

Online Sales Through Social Media

Businesses increasingly sell products through:

Instagram;
Facebook;
TikTok;
other social platforms.

Selling through social media does not automatically remove the legal obligations associated with distance selling and consumer protection.

Greek consumer authorities advise consumers purchasing through social media to verify information including the supplier’s identity, contact details, product characteristics, total price, payment method and delivery arrangements.

Businesses using social commerce should therefore ensure that their sales process provides the legally required information.

E-commerce Advertising

Online businesses frequently advertise through:

Google Ads;
social media;
influencers;
email;
promotional campaigns;
discount codes.

Advertising should not mislead consumers regarding:

prices;
discounts;
availability;
characteristics;
delivery;
guarantees;
promotional conditions.

Marketing practices should therefore be considered as part of an e-commerce legal review.

Email Marketing and Newsletters

Newsletters and promotional emails involve both marketing and data-protection considerations.

Businesses should consider:

how email addresses were collected;
legal basis for communications;
consent where required;
information provided to subscribers;
unsubscribe mechanisms;
record keeping.

A newsletter signup form should therefore not be treated simply as another website field without considering the legal implications of the subsequent marketing activity.

Online Customer Accounts

E-shops that allow customers to create accounts may process additional personal data over a longer period.

Relevant issues can include:

account registration;
password and security procedures;
purchase history;
saved addresses;
customer preferences;
account deletion;
data-retention periods.

These processes should be reflected appropriately in the website’s privacy documentation.

Third-Party Services

Most modern e-commerce websites rely on third-party providers.

Examples can include:

hosting companies;
payment processors;
courier companies;
analytics providers;
email platforms;
cloud services;
advertising platforms.

The involvement of third parties can create additional contractual and data-protection considerations.

An e-commerce legal review should therefore consider not only what visitors see on the website but also how customer information is processed behind the scenes.

Legal Review of an Existing E-shop

An existing e-shop may have legal pages that were created several years ago or copied from generic templates.

A legal review can examine whether the website’s documentation corresponds to its current operation.

The review can cover:

Terms and Conditions;
Privacy Policy;
Cookie Policy;
checkout process;
withdrawal information;
returns;
delivery terms;
payment terms;
consumer information;
marketing consent;
business identification.

Where inconsistencies are identified, the relevant documentation can be updated.

New E-shop Legal Setup

Legal documentation can also be prepared before a new e-shop launches.

This allows the legal framework to be coordinated with the website development process.

The business can establish from the beginning:

customer terms;
privacy notices;
cookie information;
withdrawal procedures;
return policies;
delivery terms;
consent mechanisms.

This is generally more efficient than redesigning the checkout process after the website has already begun accepting orders.

E-commerce Lawyer Greece for International Businesses

Foreign companies selling products or services to customers in Greece may also need to consider Greek and EU consumer requirements.

Relevant issues can include:

Greek consumer law;
GDPR;
distance contracts;
local-language information;
cross-border sales;
returns;
jurisdiction;
applicable law.

The applicable requirements depend on the company’s structure, customers and commercial activities.

The Greek E-Commerce Consumer Code states that required consumer information must be available in Greek, while additional languages may also be provided.

E-commerce Disputes

Legal assistance may also be required after a dispute has already arisen.

Potential disputes include:

consumer complaints;
refund disputes;
chargebacks;
defective products;
non-delivery allegations;
contractual disagreements;
data-protection complaints;
misleading advertising allegations.

The first step is to review the transaction, the applicable terms and the evidence available.

Consumer Complaints

Consumers in Greece can submit complaints concerning issues such as distance contracts, internet purchases, non-delivery, misleading information and unfair contractual terms through the consumer-protection authorities.

For businesses, preventive legal compliance can reduce the likelihood of disputes arising from unclear or inconsistent terms.

If a complaint has already been filed, the specific allegations and supporting documents should be reviewed before a response is prepared.

E-commerce Lawyer Greece – Frequently Asked Questions

Does every e-shop need Terms and Conditions?

An online business needs to provide the contractual and consumer information required for its activities. A dedicated Terms and Conditions document is commonly used to organise these rules clearly and consistently.

Does an e-shop need a Privacy Policy?

Where an e-shop processes personal data, it must comply with applicable data-protection information requirements. Greek e-commerce rules also expressly refer to an accessible and updated personal-data protection policy.

Do I need a Cookie Policy?

This depends on the technologies used by the website. E-commerce websites commonly use cookies or similar technologies for essential functionality, analytics and advertising, making a proper cookie review important.

Do customers always have 14 days to return a product?

For qualifying distance contracts, consumers generally have a 14-day withdrawal right, but statutory exceptions exist. The specific product or service must therefore be considered.

Can I copy another e-shop’s Terms and Conditions?

This is not advisable. Another business may have different products, payment methods, delivery arrangements, data processing and contractual procedures.

Does GDPR apply to an online store?

An online store processing personal data within the GDPR’s scope must comply with the applicable requirements. This can include order processing, customer accounts, marketing and website analytics.

Do the legal pages need to be in Greek?

For e-commerce directed at Greek consumers, Greek consumer rules require the relevant consumer information to be provided in Greek, while other languages may additionally be used.

Can you review an e-shop that is already operating?

Yes. An existing website can be reviewed to identify whether its legal documentation corresponds to the way the business currently operates.

Can legal documents be prepared before the website launches?

Yes. Preparing the legal framework during development can help ensure that the website’s checkout, consent and customer-information processes correspond to the legal documentation.

Why Use an E-commerce Lawyer in Greece?

E-commerce combines several areas of law within a single business activity.

An online store may simultaneously need to consider:

contract law;
consumer protection;
data protection;
electronic commerce;
advertising;
commercial law.

An E-commerce Lawyer Greece can review these areas together rather than treating each website policy as an isolated document.

The objective is to create legal documentation that corresponds to how the business actually operates and communicates clearly with customers.

Related Legal Services

Businesses operating an e-shop may also require broader commercial and contractual legal assistance.

For business-related legal matters, see our Commercial Law Services in Greece.

For contractual disputes and other private-law matters, see our Civil Lawyer Greece.

E-commerce Lawyer Greece – Contact Our Law Office

If you operate an online store or are preparing to launch a new e-commerce business, the Law Office of Anna Deftereou can assist with the legal framework of your website and online transactions.

We can review or prepare the appropriate legal documentation, including Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, consumer information, returns and withdrawal provisions.

Legal assistance can be tailored to the actual operation of the business rather than relying on generic templates that may not correspond to the products, services or sales procedures of the particular e-shop.

Law Office of Anna Deftereou
39 Stadiou Street, Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 323 8062