B2B Internet Trading Platforms - EDIS

– Information on certification of products/services (35,7 %)
– Information on the different steps for the conclusions of the contract (28,6 %)
– Information on insurance of goods/services (14,3 %)
– Information on product return and recovery of amounts paid (14,3 %)
– Information on the right of withdrawal from the contract (14,3 %)
– Other (7,1 %)
2.2.3. Questionnaire addressed to trust operators/e-business platforms
The responses to this questionnaire came mainly from Member States (81,8 %), in particular from
Germany (27,3 %) and Italy (18,2 %).
Codes of Conduct
According to the results, (54 %) of respondents replied that they are aware of codes of conduct or
guidelines and (36 %) answered that they are involved in an initiative to develop a B2B code of
conduct or a trustmark.
All respondents (100 %) have replied that codes of conduct are a useful tool to enhance trust and
confidence in B2B e-marketplaces and that there is a need to develop such codes or trustmarks. All
respondents (100 %) consider that the Commission should create a group of stakeholders to discuss
guidelines and 91 % are interested in participating in such a group.
Trust barriers
According to the responses, the most important issues that a B2B code of conduct should address are:
– Information on the available mechanisms to ensure the security and confidentiality of
sensitive data (81,8 %)
– Information on the terms and conditions of the contract (81,8 %)
– Information on the transaction procedure (delivery, payment, return, etc) (81,8 %)
– Information on goods/services offered (characteristics, prices including charges) (72,7 %)
– Information on the criteria for the selection and admission of participants to the e-
marketplace (72,7 %)
– Information on the identity of participating companies (63,6 %)
– Information on the settlement of disputes (63,6 %)
– Information on on-line auctions and applicable rules (45,5 %)
– Availability of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms (36,4 %)
2.3 Other comments
In addition to the responses to the three questionnaires, the following comments have been received:
– E-procurement: Two associations and one company have stated that although e-procurement
is meant to create a higher level of transparency, better competition and more opportunities
for SMEs, in practice this is not true. In the longer run, competition is eliminated and SMEs
are excluded because they cannot face large customers and dumping procedures are
promoted.
– Reverse auctions: Four associations and one company have expressed concerns about unfair
practices in reverse auctions. In particular they expressed concerns that some auctions are
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