Are You Falling For the Biggest Myths About the Omnibus Directive? Let’s Find Out

The omnibus directive has been influencing online trade in Europe for years, yet its rules still trip up many sellers. Myths, guesswork, and outdated advice can cost you time, money, and loyal customers. If you’re selling online – especially across EU borders – are these misconceptions still standing in your way? Let’s find out.

What does the omnibus directive really mean for your business?

At its heart, the omnibus directive is an EU-wide rulebook for protecting consumers and making online markets more transparent. It affects everything from how you display prices to how you handle customer reviews. And it’s not just aimed at huge e-commerce players – it applies to anyone selling within the EU.

In short, the EU omnibus directive in 2025 still requires sellers to:

• Clearly show the lowest price from the last 30 days when offering a discount
• Mark reviews that come from verified purchases and avoid hiding negative ones
• Provide full and accurate product details without misleading claims
• Make terms, returns, and cancellation policies easy to find and understand

Myth 1 – Only big brands need to follow it

It’s tempting to think this is just for big corporations with massive sales volumes. Not so. Whether you run a tiny handmade candle shop or ship electronics across the continent, the rules still apply.

Even one-person businesses must show accurate prices, inform buyers about their rights, and avoid misleading promotions. Ignoring these rules could bring fines that sting, no matter how small your turnover is.

Myth 2 – It’s only about price tags

Price transparency is a big piece of the puzzle, but not the whole picture. The directive also targets fake or manipulated reviews, hidden negative feedback, and unclear product descriptions. If a review comes from a verified purchase, you have to say so – and you can’t pass off unverified reviews as genuine.

It also sets rules for discounts: you must show the lowest price offered in the last 30 days alongside the sale price. That way, customers can tell if they’re getting a real deal or just a cleverly staged markdown.

Myth 3 – I can just copy what competitors do

Checking out competitors can be useful – but only up to a point. Many sellers misunderstand the rules themselves. If you copy their approach, you might be copying their mistakes.

The smarter move is to review your own product listings, returns process, and promotions against the directive’s requirements. If anything feels murky, ask a compliance expert or lawyer before it turns into a problem.

Myth 4 – Marketplaces take care of it for me

Selling through Allegro gives you some built-in safeguards – but it doesn’t hand over full responsibility. You’re still accountable for accurate listings, correct product details, and honest communication with customers.

If your listings violate the directive, the platform can remove them or penalize your account. In some cases, regulators could even come to you directly.

Practical ways to keep your business in the clear

• Check your product pages. Make sure descriptions are precise, not exaggerated. Keep pricing and discounts compliant with the rules.
• Clean up your review process. Confirm reviewers are real buyers, mark verified reviews clearly, and don’t hide the less flattering ones.
• Make your policies visible. Returns and cancellations should be easy to find and written in plain language.
• Stay informed. Even if you work solo, invest time in learning the rules. EU guides and trusted e-commerce resources are worth the effort.

Why busting these myths matters?

Every myth you believe leaves a blind spot – and blind spots can be costly. Non-compliance isn’t just about fines. It can harm your credibility in a market where trust is everything.

Today’s customers are sharp. They spot inconsistencies quickly and reward businesses that are upfront. Show that you’re honest and reliable, and they’ll come back – and bring others with them.

Take action before trouble takes you

The sooner you understand the omnibus directive and clear away the misconceptions, the safer your business will be. Look over your listings, fix what needs fixing, and keep an eye on the updates ahead. Do it now, and you’re not just staying within the rules – you’re building a brand worth trusting.