E-commerce store regulations
Online store regulations - Lithuania. Expansion into the Lithuanian market.
Lithuania is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in the region – customers are open to new brands, accustomed to online shopping, and eager to take advantage of convenient delivery options. However, before your store launches in Vilnius, Kaunas, or Klaipėda, you need solid "Taisyklės," or online store regulations.
Well-constructed terms and conditions are more than just a formal requirement. In Lithuania, they are considered the basis of the contract between the seller and the consumer. Transparent and legally compliant terms and conditions protect against costly disputes and build trust, which is especially important in such a small market.
“Taisyklės” – the key to legal e-commerce in Lithuania
Lithuanian “Taisyklės” must clearly and unambiguously describe:
- terms of sale,
- payment methods
- delivery and return policies,
- the right to withdraw from the contract and complaint procedures,
- data identifying the seller (full company name, Registracijos numeris , address, e-mail contact and telephone number).
What is worth remembering?
- - Vartotojų teisių apsaugos įstatymas – the Consumer Rights Protection Act, implementing the Consumer Rights Directive.
- - Civilinis kodeksas – which regulates, among other things, the seller's liability, withdrawal from the contract, warranty and guarantee.
- - Nesąžiningos komercinės veiklos vartotojams draudimo įstatymas – the Act on the Prohibition of Unfair Commercial Practices, protecting customers from misleading marketing and aggressive sales.
Valstybinė vartotojų teisių apsaugos tarnyba (VVTAT) - the Lithuanian supervisory authority - is responsible for consumer protection, which:
- - checks regulations and information on store websites,
- - conducts proceedings regarding consumer complaints,
- - may impose financial penalties and order changes to trading practices.
In competition matters, the Competition Authority intervenes, dealing with, among other things, the prohibition of price-fixing and abuse of market position.
As is the case throughout the EU, Lithuania has a 14-day right of withdrawal for distance purchases. It's crucial that the terms and conditions:
- - precisely indicated the method of submitting the declaration (e.g. e-mail, online form),
- - clearly inform about the refund (including delivery costs),
- - specify who covers the costs of return shipping – if this is not indicated, the seller may cover these costs himself.
The seller is liable for defects in goods for at least 24 months .
During the first 12 months, there is a presumption that the defect existed at the time of purchase – so during this time the burden of proof lies with the seller.
Taisyklės should indicate:
- - complaint submission channels (e-mail, form, shipping address),
- - response deadline – 14 calendar days ,
- - possible solutions (repair, replacement, refund of part of the price or withdrawal from the contract)
Lithuania applies the GDPR directly, and additionally applies the Lithuanian Data Protection Regulation , which specifies national data processing rules.
The regulations must be consistent with the privacy policy, which specifies:
- - what data you collect,
- - for what purpose and on what legal basis,
- - to whom the data is transferred (e.g. courier companies),
- - consumer rights (access, rectification, deletion of data).
Lithuanian consumers are aware of their rights – so it is worth ensuring that the privacy policy is written in a simple and understandable way.
ADR – Amicable Dispute Resolution: Lithuania actively supports alternative dispute resolution. Consumers can use the ADR procedure run by VVTAT . The procedure is free of charge and its results are published, increasing pressure on sellers to practice responsibly.
Summary
In Lithuania, "Taisyklės" is not only a statutory requirement, but also an element of building brand credibility . Well-written regulations:
- - protects the entrepreneur against disputes,
- - is proof of professionalism,
- - facilitates compliance with the law and practice of VVTAT.
A transparent and legally compliant document is the foundation of an effective presence on the Lithuanian e-commerce market.
Expansion Packages
Choose a package
Summary of the selected package
Expansion
For stores present in one foreign market
799 PLN / monthly
Contact
Send inquiry
Our other services
ecommerce.legal – a team of e-commerce lawyers who ensure the compliance of online stores in Poland and abroad.
We offer comprehensive e-commerce law support tailored to the needs of your business.
From legal documentation, through compliance audits, to ongoing legal support in a subscription model.