Indication of international shipping costs required

It has long been common knowledge that the sale of goods via the Internet (online shops, eBay, etc.) or distance selling entails a vast number of information obligations – this also includes the indication of any shipping costs. However, it is often overlooked that this also applies to shipping abroad, as the OLG Hamm established in its judgment of 12.03.2009 (4 U 225/08).

Anyone who does not restrict their delivery area must therefore provide shipping costs for every delivery location in the world in order not to violate the Preisangabenverordnung (PAngV). Since this is hardly practicable, it is advisable to offer a selection option within the scope of the order process and to limit it sensibly. It is essential to ensure that the shipping cost information within the online catalogue or the ordering process contains accurate information on shipping costs to each of the possible destination countries.