The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) of Ireland participated in a European Commission-led sweep that examined 356 online platforms selling second-hand goods. The findings revealed that 185 of these traders, accounting for 52%, are potentially infringing consumer law.

Among the violations, 45% of sellers failed to properly inform consumers about their rights regarding the return of faulty goods or items that do not match their descriptions. Additionally, 40% did not adequately communicate the right for consumers to change their minds within 14 days without incurring costs.

Environmental claims made by traders were also scrutinized, with 34% of sellers presenting such claims. Of these, 28% were deemed false or misleading, while 20% lacked sufficient substantiation, raising concerns about unfair commercial practices.

This sweep was part of a broader initiative involving 25 EU Member States, along with Iceland and Norway, aimed at ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws across the second-hand market. Officials emphasized the importance of consumer rights in the context of the growing circular economy.

Pat Kenny from the CCPC highlighted that consumers should not have to compromise their rights when purchasing second-hand goods. He reiterated that goods must meet advertised standards and that consumers have a 14-day window to change their minds and return products for a refund.

Michael McGrath, the Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, stressed the necessity for all traders, including those in the second-hand sector, to adhere to consumer rights regulations, urging compliance with EU laws following the concerning results of the sweep.