Geoblocking

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Geoblockering - Engelska

Geoblocking means that consumers, based on their nationality or where they live, are prevented from accessing goods or services within the EU. Geoblocking is prohibited within the EU.

Translated page: This text has been translated from Swedish. The text and appearance of the page may look different from the original page.

Introduction to geoblocking

  • Within the EU, it is prohibited to block websites based on nationality or place of residence.

  • There are requirements for equal treatment in payment within the EU.

  • Discriminatory conditions are prohibited within the EU. This means, for example, that you should be able to shop in other EU countries in the same way as those who live in the country.

  • Contact ECC Sweden if you have questions about geoblocking.

Learn more about geoblocking

    • Consumers receive different conditions based on where they live, such as different prices.
    • Companies prevent you from searching for the best possible price by blocking websites or automatically redirecting you to another version of the website.
    • You are discriminated against because your payment card is issued in a certain country.

  • Within the EU, it is not allowed to block websites or mobile apps based on nationality or place of residence.

    You should not be redirected to a special version that is adapted to you unless you have approved it. If you have been redirected, you should easily be able to find your way back to the page you started on.

  • There are requirements for equal treatment in payment within the EU. This means that a company cannot discriminate in payment.

    An example is if a German company accepts a specific debit card issued in Germany. They cannot reject another debit card from the same company because it is issued in Sweden.

  • You must not be discriminated against in terms of conditions and prices in the following situations:

    • Goods delivered to a member state where the company offers delivery, or picked up at a location agreed upon with the customer. You should be able to shop as if you lived in that country. However, you do not have the right to demand to pick up a product on-site if the company does not already offer that option.
    • Electronic services, such as cloud services, data storage management, and web hosting.
    • Services such as hotel accommodation and car rental, if the customer uses the service in the country where the company operates.

  • There are a number of exceptions to the Geo-blocking Regulation. Some examples include:

    • transport services
    • services offered by temporary employment agencies
    • financial services, such as banking and credit services, insurance, pension savings, securities, investment funds, investment advice, payments, and leasing
    • private security services
    • certain gambling activities such as lotteries, casino games, and betting
    • audiovisual services, such as film services and radio broadcasts
    • electronic communication services
    • health and medical services

    The regulation also does not apply to purely internal situations within a Member State, where all relevant aspects of the transaction take place within the same country.

    Companies are also not required to deliver goods and services to all Member States.

  • Contact point in Sweden – ECC Sweden

    ECC Sweden is responsible for informing consumers about their rights when purchasing products from other EU countries.

    E-mail: konsumenteuropa@konsumentverket.se

    ECC Sweden can provide information about:

    • your rights when purchasing goods and services within the EU, Norway, Iceland, and the United Kingdom
    • opportunities for legal resolution of disputes.

    It is free of charge to contact us.

    Find contact points in other countries on the European Commission’s website

    Learn more

    Geoblocking Regulation on the Swedish National Board of Trade’s website

    Information regarding geoblocking on the European Council’s website

    Questions and answers about geoblocking from the European Commission

  • If a company violates the provisions on geoblocking, you as a consumer can file a report to the Swedish Consumer Agency.

    Report to the Swedish Consumer Agency

Proofread: 3 April 2025

The content is presented in collaboration with ECC Sweden, which is part of the ECC network and the Swedish Consumer Agency's information service. ECC Sweden is part-financed by the European Union.

The content of this website represents the views of the author only and it is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA) or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.

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