The Czech Trade Inspection (Česká obchodní inspekce, ČOI) has uncovered serious failings in online shops during the second quarter of 2025, with many businesses failing to provide basic consumer information or engaging in unfair trading practices.
Between 1 April and 30 June, the ČOI carried out 125 inspections, uncovering breaches in 106 cases – equivalent to 84.8 per cent of all checks.
The focus was on firms selling goods and services via the internet, mobile apps, or social media platforms. Sites such as Facebook and Instagram pose particular risks, with basic details about sellers – including identity, contact information, and withdrawal or complaints rights – often missing.
Across the review period, the ČOI recorded 386 breaches, with violations of consumer protection law the most common, appearing in 173 cases. The main issues identified were:
- Lack of information about complaints and withdrawal rights
- Misleading claims about products, prices, or services
- Failure to provide guidance on out-of-court dispute resolution
In 17 particularly worrying cases, customer reviews were found to be manipulated or unverifiable, leaving buyers unable to judge whether feedback was genuine.
Customers were frequently not informed about their right to withdraw from purchases or provided with the necessary forms. Traders also often failed to supply contractual terms in writing or to make clear that placing an order carries a payment obligation.
In addition, 62 breaches of other legal requirements were identified. The ČOI imposed 167 fines in total during the quarter, amounting to 3,448,500 CZK (around €140,000).
The ČOI says the findings highlight a structural problem: many online traders continue to ignore fundamental consumer protection rules. Inspections are resource-intensive, both in terms of time and expertise, so the authority targets shops where there are prior indications of breaches, whether from external reports or internal research.
