eBay practices are detrimental to Maltese businesses, says Casa

PN Head of Delegation in the European Parliament David Casa said that eBay practices clash with EU Internal Market rules to the detriment of Maltese consumers and businesses.

"Ebay is failing to provide a level playing field for businesses situated in a particular group of EU Member States, including Malta," Casa said.

"A number of businesses are being denied registration access to the intra-EU ebay websites if they cannot provide a local address within those countries."

According to Casa, a Maltese business would not be able to register on the eBay Ireland website unless an address in Ireland can be provided. The company would be forced to register on the US website instead.

"This has put businesses based in Malta and in other 14 other Member States at a disadvantage due to their need to carry out currency conversions on a regular basis in order to be able to sell within the EU. This situation is far from ideal," he said.

Casa also tabled a Parliamentary Question to the Commission, asking whether the Commission will consider taking action on this matter.

Casa has authored various Reports and Opinions related to the functioning of the Internal Market.

"The Internal Market is one of the EU's greatest successes. Unlocking its full potential is crucial for the attainment of the EU's economic objectives," he argues.