Minimum Information Requirements for Websites
Your website is part of your business “stationery” as it’s a contact point for customers, clients and suppliers alike. As such there is legally a minimum amount of information that must be contained in it.
If the business is a company, it should also comply with the Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships and Business (Names & Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2015 which requires the same information which is required on letterhead to also appear on a business website. On headed paper for a limited company this usually appears as a footer/at the bottom of the letterhead in small print and would state:
“AB Limited (Registration Number xxxxxxx). Registered Office at Any Street, Anytown . VAT Number xxxxxxx”.
Different rules will apply dependent on your business type – for example, if you are a charity your charity number must appear here as well.
In addition to this the Electronic Commerce Regulations 2002 (“ECR”) establish legal rules that online traders and service providers must comply with when they have an online presence. It sets out the information that a website must contain. Whilst much of this addresses the relationship with consumers (because the main thrust of the legislation originally was consumer protection) it covers B2B as well. Many people also falsely assume that the Regulations only apply where there is an element of ecommerce or online selling taking place. However, this is incorrect because the ECR covers “information services” and therefore covers information or brochure-type websites as well. minimum requirements for websites.
The information required includes
- the name of the service provider
- their geographic address
- their details including their email address
- details of any register (trade or similar available to the public) in which the service provider is registered
- their relevant supervisory authority or authorisation scheme, if any
- their VAT number – if they are VAT registered
- if details on prices are provided then whether these are inclusive of tax, delivery or other additional costs
As a minimum the website should include a phone number, email address and a business address.
If you are unsure if your website is complying with these requirements or if you need information on specific additional requirements for e-commerce sites under the Distance Selling Regulations we are happy to advise on your specific circumstances – get in touch here.