The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) participated in a joint investigation led by the European Commission and national authorities from 25 EU member states, Norway, and Iceland, focusing on the practices of businesses selling used goods online. The investigation aimed to assess compliance with EU consumer protection regulations.

According to the findings, while most Hungarian businesses adhere to the rules, the investigation revealed that 185 out of 356 examined traders across Europe provided inadequate or incorrect information to consumers. Notably, 40% of these traders failed to inform consumers about their right of withdrawal, and 57% did not comply with the minimum one-year warranty requirement.

Additionally, 34% of the traders made environmental claims about their products, but 20% of these claims lacked sufficient evidence, and 25% were found to be clearly false or misleading. The GVH specifically analyzed the practices of 12 Hungarian businesses selling clothing, accessories, electronics, and furniture.

While the majority of these local traders provided proper information regarding consumer rights, the GVH noted that in 25% of cases, there was no mention of the 14-day right of withdrawal on their websites. Furthermore, 16% of the websites indicated a warranty period shorter than the legally required one year. Although businesses clearly indicated the used nature of their products, one-third failed to provide clear information about the condition of the items.

Moreover, one-third of the businesses suggested that purchasing used goods was 'environmentally friendly' or 'sustainable' without substantiating these claims.