For online sellers, transparency, safety and compliance with regulations are no longer optional. Recently, Bol has implemented several important changes that directly impact you as a seller and how you offer products on the platform. With the introduction of the Digital Services Act (DSA), stricter requirements for product information, and new VAT regulations in Belgium, sellers on Bol face important changes. In this blog, we'll tell you more about these developments, explain what they mean for you as a seller, and offer practical steps to address these challenges.
European Legislation (DSA) within Bol
DSA and Bol: online transparency and safety
The Digital Services Act (DSA) sets a new standard for regulating online services in the European Union. This new legislation, effective from February 17, 2024, is designed to create a safer and more transparent online environment for both users and sellers. Bol has taken proactive steps to comply with these new rules, aiming to make the platform even more reliable and secure.
The DSA sets clear obligations for online platforms like Bol. This includes measures against illegal content and products, improved transparency about product origins, and clearer communication channels between buyers and sellers.
What the DSA means for you as a seller on Bol
As a seller on Bol, the DSA brings specific responsibilities, primarily in the area of product information.
The legislation requires that all products offered on the platform come with comprehensive and transparent information. This includes not just basic data but also information about product conformity, safety, and seller identity.
One of the most significant changes is the requirement to provide clear information about the 'responsible economic operator' within the EU. This means that for every product sold on Bol, it must be clear who the manufacturer, importer, or other relevant party is that's responsible for the product within the European Union. This information is important to comply with EU regulations on product safety and conformity.
Bol calls on sellers to carefully review their product information and supplement where necessary. By providing transparent and complete product information, sellers distinguish themselves on Bol and build strong relationships with their customers.
Mandatory Product Information
Stricter requirements for product information
In line with the DSA and ongoing commitment to transparency, Bol has tightened the requirements for product information. For you as a seller, this means you need to provide more detailed information about the products you offer.
Your role in ensuring product transparency
An important aspect of the new requirements is, as mentioned earlier, the emphasis on the responsible economic operator within the EU. For each product, it must be clearly stated who the manufacturer, importer, or distributor within the European Union is. This information ensures compliance with EU regulations on product safety and conformity. It also gives consumers assurance that the products they buy meet European standards. Bol is introducing new fields in the seller account for this:
- Address of responsible economic operator in the EU
- Email address of responsible economic operator in the EU
- Name of responsible economic operator in the EU
- Phone number of responsible economic operator in the EU
It's up to you as a seller to supplement this information as soon as possible. Failure to meet these requirements may result in products no longer being allowed to be offered through the platform. Throughout the year, Bol will strictly monitor this.
In addition to information about the responsible economic operator, mandatory product data also includes:
- Price, quantity, and detailed product specifications
- Information about product conformity and safety
- A unique article number, such as an EAN
- Trademarks, symbols, or logos used by the seller
- Labeling and marking in accordance with European legislation
Bol supports sellers in this transition through tools and guidelines for filling in the required attributes. The platform encourages sellers to regularly check and update their product information to ensure compliance and provide the best possible experience to their customers.
The tightening of product information requirements on Bol is an important step forward in creating a more transparent and safer online shopping environment. It emphasizes the shared responsibility of both the platform and sellers to meet the highest standards, benefiting all users.
New VAT legislation in Belgium
Since January 1, 2024, there has been an important change in VAT regulations for online sales in Belgium. This change has direct consequences for you as a seller on Bol when offering products to Belgian customers. The Belgian Tax Authority has new powers to monitor and enforce compliance with VAT obligations, adding a new layer of responsibility for you as a seller on the platform.
The impact of VAT controls on sellers and action points
The new regulations state that the Belgian Tax Authority can inform Bol about sellers who may not be complying with their VAT obligations in Belgium. In such cases, Bol is required to take action by informing the seller about this. Sellers are then urgently requested to check their Belgian VAT returns and correct them if necessary.
Should the Belgian Tax Authority determine that the VAT returns have not been properly corrected, this may lead to further communication from Bol to the seller. In case of repeated non-compliance, and after receiving multiple warnings, Bol may be required to close the seller's account.
The new VAT regulations require you as a seller to be proactive in managing fiscal obligations. It is essential that you keep your administration accurate and ensure timely and correct VAT returns. Are you unsure if you meet the obligations? Or do you need help complying with the new rules? Then seek professional advice from a tax advisor or accountant.
The recent developments on Bol, driven by the DSA, the stricter requirements for product information, and the new VAT regulations in Belgium, mark an important moment for all sellers on the platform. These changes emphasize the importance of transparency, safety, and compliance with the law within the online trading environment. By adapting to these new requirements, you comply with regulations, strengthen customer trust, AND improve the quality of your offerings.
Concrete action points for you as a seller
As a seller on Bol, it's now more important than ever to take action and ensure you fully comply with the new regulations. Here are some concrete steps you can take:
- Check and update your product information: Verify that all required product information, including data about the responsible economic operator in the EU, is completely and accurately filled in your seller account. Make sure you meet the stricter requirements to ensure the transparency and reliability of your offerings.
- Keep information current: Ensure you regularly update your product information and company data to continue meeting the latest regulations and customer expectations.
- Navigate through VAT regulations: For sellers offering products to customers in Belgium, it's crucial to carefully navigate the new VAT regulations. Check your VAT returns and ensure you meet all fiscal obligations to avoid possible interruptions in your sales activities.
- Seek support: Do you have questions about this blog? Or could you use some help with your Bol account? We at Follo are happy to help. Feel free to contact us without obligation.
By acting proactively and adapting to these new developments, you as a seller on Bol can continue to grow and be successful in the ever-changing landscape of online commerce.
