UK Regulator Requires E-Commerce Businesses to Clearly Display Total Prices Including Mandatory Delivery Charges

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued new rules requiring e-commerce businesses operating in the UK to clearly display the total price, including mandatory delivery charges, when presenting products and during checkout, to ensure consumers are fully informed. Businesses that fail to comply will face regulatory scrutiny.

These requirements address hidden fees and opaque pricing. For consumers, including mandatory delivery charges in the displayed price helps them understand the actual amount they will pay during the purchasing process and compare the prices of different products.

For e-commerce businesses, the impact may first be felt in product listings and at checkout: they need to consider how mandatory delivery charges are included in the total price and whether pricing information is clear and consistent across both stages. For businesses where delivery charges vary depending on the order, how to present the applicable charges and total price is an issue worth considering.

In implementing the rules, businesses should continue to monitor any further guidance from the regulator on how charges should be displayed and on related circumstances.