SINGAPORE: National E-Commerce Transactions Standard Now In Effect

Online businesses must also ensure that all information relevant to purchased products or services are clearly listed. This should include the name, description, quantity, availability and price of the product/service, details of the product warranty and its validity, itemisation of any applicable taxes or import/export fees, payment and delivery options/fees, estimated delivery date, specification of any recurring charges and any related free gift entitlements.

In terms of post-purchase activities, the guidelines extend coverage across delivery time, product handling payment on delivery, self-collection, proof of delivery and failed delivery protocols. The guidelines also require online businesses to display their terms and conditions, details of frequently asked questions and the specified processes for managing customer queries/disputes.

Full details of the guidelines – as championed by, Enterprise Singapore (ESG), the country’s primary government agency for SME promotion, and the Singapore Standards Council (SSC) – are available for purchase on the Singapore Standards eShop or, for a limited time, they may be viewed free of charge on the ESG website.