The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has imposed a €90,000 fine on GT Ecom, the owner of the online store wolffashion.de, for not clearly informing consumers that their products were shipped directly from China and that returns also needed to be sent back there. This lack of transparency is considered a violation of consumer protection rules.

ACM's decision was influenced by a request from the German regulator, as the website primarily targets German consumers. The fine was reduced due to the company's full cooperation during the investigation and the fact that the violations have already been rectified.

Martijn Ridderbos, a board member of ACM, emphasized that while dropshipping is a legitimate business model, companies must adhere to consumer protection regulations. This includes providing clear information about shipping origins and return processes to avoid misleading consumers and damaging their trust in online shopping.

As dropshipping becomes increasingly popular, ACM highlighted the importance of compliance with online sales rules, which require clear communication about delivery times and return policies. Consumers should be well-informed before making purchases to prevent any misunderstandings.