Implementation of the Digital Services Act

The responsible economic operator in the EU

The DSA requires specific product information for each item. As a platform, we are obligated to display this information to our customers. To comply with this requirement, all existing and new products on our platform must include the economic operator information

What information do we need?

All existing and new products on our platform must include the following details:

• Name of the responsible economic operator in the EU
• Address of the responsible economic operator in the EU
• Phone number of the responsible economic operator in the EU
• Email address of the responsible economic operator in the EU

What has changed as of October 1st?

As of October 1^st, all products on bol must display information about the responsible economic operator in the EU, which can be the manufacturer, importer or another relevant entity. This also applies to second-hand items. Products without this information will eventually be prohibited from being sold on bol under the DSA.

Previously, the responsible economic operator information was provided on product level. Since October 1^st, it is mandatory to provide this information for each individual offer. Bol is now responsible for ensuring that all items it sells contain this information. Once bol provides this information for its own items, it will be displayed in the “product safety” section of the product page, making it visible to all customers. If the information has not yet been provided, the product page will show that no responsible economic operator has been found.

When must information on economic operators be complete?

Starting February 1^st 2025, bol will enforce on items without a responsible economic operator in the EU. Current product information attributes will no longer be valid and will be removed from product page after this date. Therefore, it is crucial that all suppliers resubmit this information using the new method to ensure it is correctly displayed on the product pages.

Who is the responsible economic operator in the EU?

This could be the manufacturer, authorized representative, importer, distributor, fulfillment service provider, or any other natural or legal entity responsible for the item’s compliance with EU harmonization laws (as defined in Article 3, point 13, of Regulation EU 2019/1020).

No rights can be derived from this information. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Suppliers remain solely responsible for complying with laws and regulations. In case of questions, you should seek advice from a specialized consultant.

How can suppliers provide this information?

Bol will reach out to you to request the economic operator information (per brand). This information must be provided to bol via email. Once the information is submitted, bol will link the economic operator information to our offers and make them visible on the website. As a supplier, you will not see this information on the screens where you can edit product information.
If you have not yet been contacted regarding this, please reach out to your contact person within bol.

More about the changes in our policy as a result of the DSA

Transparency about content moderation

Based on the DSA, we are obligated to share how we keep our platform safe from unwanted items such as illegal articles and content. To keep bol safe and reliable for everyone, we may monitor our assortment for items and/or content that do not comply with laws and regulations. If an article or product information is illegal, for example, we may adjust or remove it. This is what we call content moderation.

We clarify our measures against abuse

The DSA requires us to take measures against partners who frequently offer illegal items and content.

New is that we will also take measures against partners who frequently:

• Incorrectly report illegal items and/or content to bol;
• Submit complaints to bol that turn out to be incorrect.

In line with the DSA, we must be transparent about this and mention it in our terms.

Our complaint handling process becomes clearer

It must be clear to everyone how we handle complaints. That’s why we are further clarifying our internal complaint handling system. How you file a complaint remains the same. However, we are making a few adjustments to the User Terms. For example, it is now explicitly stated that you will always receive a substantiated decision from us. We naturally respond to a complaint as quickly as possible, but no later than within 30 working days.

Reporting illegal content will be easier

Together, we ensure that our platform radiates reliability and quality. Because only then will customers continue to order from us with peace of mind. Through our existing Notice & Takedown procedure (NTD), suppliers can report illegal items and/or content, for example, in cases of intellectual property infringement.

The DSA obligates us to make it easier for everyone to report illegal content. Therefore, we are clarifying the NTD page with a clear button leading to a form for non-partners. Through that form, they can make a report, which will then be directed to the appropriate department within bol. Please note that a different form is available for partners and customers. This form can also be found through the Notice & Takedown page.

We will inform customers who have purchased an illegal item

The assortment on our platform must comply with applicable laws and regulations. If it turns out that your item does not meet these requirements, the DSA requires us to inform customers who have purchased this item. This applies to items ordered within the 6 months before it was determined that they do not comply with the rules. In that case, we will inform customers about which item it concerns, from which seller the item was purchased, and what rights they have, such as a refund or replacement of the item.

Of course, you will also receive a notification from us if it turns out that you have sold an illegal item. In some cases, we are required to take the item offline.