Legal Requirements for Setting Up an Online Clothing Store

Compliance with regulations in the retail trade is essential for ensuring the success and sustainability of any business. If you want to start an online clothing store, you need to know these rules. Understanding and applying these regulations not only helps to avoid fines and legal issues, but also enhances business reputation and builds consumer trust.

In this article, we will explore the specific regulations applicable to the retail trade in Spain that online clothing stores must comply with. We will also look at how seQura can serve as a strategic partner in this process, facilitating a seamless shopping experience that benefits both retailers and their customers.

Specific Regulations for the Retail Trade

Retail trade in Spain is subject to various regulations aimed at ensuring transparency, safety, and legality in commercial operations. These rules not only protect consumers but also provide a clear legal framework for retailers. Let’s look at the main laws that impact retail trade in Spain and why it is important to comply with them:

• The General Law for the Protection of Consumers and Users sets the foundations for consumer protection, requiring businesses to provide clear and accurate information about the products they sell. This law covers advertising, pre-contractual information, and product warranties.
  
• The EU Regulation on Textile Labelling (Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011) mandates that textile products sold within the European Union must carry labels indicating detailed information about material composition. This regulation ensures that consumers can make informed choices and avoid allergic reactions or quality issues.
  
• The Intellectual Property Law protects the rights of fashion designers and creators. It establishes the basis for the protection of designs, trademarks and other creative elements, enabling designers to claim their rights and protect their work from imitation and plagiarism.
  

Compliance with Textile Labelling and Composition Regulations

Complying with textile labelling and composition regulations is essential for any retail business in Spain. These rules not only ensure that consumers receive accurate and helpful information, but also help safeguard their health and safety. Below, we outline the key requirements and why they matter:

Labelling Requirements

According to Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, textile labels must include:

• Fibre composition: specify the types of fibres and their percentages, such as "100% cotton" or "80% polyester, 20% cotton".
  
• Care instructions: guidance on washing, drying and ironing the garment. This helps consumers maintain the quality of their clothing and avoid damage.
  
• Country of origin: indicating where the product was manufactured, which can influence consumer decisions.
  
• Manufacturer information: the name and address of the manufacturer, distributor or importer, important for traceability and resolving potential issues.
  

Correct labelling does more than meet legal requirements, it builds trust with customers who value clarity and transparency.

Textile Product Composition

The composition of textile products must be accurate and faithfully reflect the materials used. This is not only a legal requirement but also a matter of trust and product quality. Retailers must ensure that labels correctly reflect the materials, as inaccuracies can lead to legal penalties and damage to the brand’s reputation.

• Composition standards: Under Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, labels must clearly and legibly indicate the product’s composition. For instance, a product containing multiple fibre types must specify the percentage of each.‍
• Importance of transparency: Providing precise information about the materials is essential to prevent allergic reactions and other adverse effects. Consumers have the right to know what materials are in contact with their skin.

Understanding and Applying Safety Standards in Clothing Sales

Ensuring safety in the sale of clothing is a fundamental responsibility for retailers. Safety standards not only protect consumers, especially vulnerable groups such as children, but also help businesses avoid legal issues and strengthen their reputation. Below are the most relevant safety standards for selling clothing in Spain.

Safety Standards for Children’s Clothing

Children’s clothing is subject to strict regulations due to potential hazards posed by certain garment features. Retailers must ensure their products comply with these standards to protect children and avoid fines.

• Specific regulations: The UNE-EN 14682 standard outlines safety requirements for children’s clothing, particularly concerning cords and drawstrings. For example, cords around the neck area are prohibited for children under seven due to strangulation risk.
  
• Safe design practices: Children’s clothing should be designed without easily detachable components that could be swallowed. Small parts that may cause choking should also be avoided.
  
• Prohibited materials: Certain flammable or toxic substances are banned in children's clothing. Retailers must ensure that fabrics and dyes used comply with chemical and physical safety standards.
  

Safety in Workwear

Workwear must meet specific standards to protect employees in various professional environments. These regulations ensure that garments provide the necessary protection against occupational hazards.

• Applicable standards: The UNE-EN ISO 20471 standard sets requirements for high-visibility clothing, which is crucial for workers in hazardous environments. There are also standards for flame-retardant clothing, anti-static garments, and chemical protective wear.
  
• Importance of compliance: Following these standards is not only a legal obligation but also vital for preventing workplace accidents and protecting workers’ health. Employers must provide certified workwear and regularly check its condition and effectiveness.
  

seQura as a Strategic Partner for the Fashion Retail Sector

Having a strategic partner like seQura can make a real difference in the competitive retail landscape. seQura not only offers flexible payment solutions but also enables a frictionless shopping experience, something that benefits both businesses and their customers.

Implementing payment solutions that comply with current regulations is essential for any business. seQura’s payment platforms are not only easy to integrate but also designed to meet regulatory standards, ensuring transparency, security and clarity in every transaction.

A seamless shopping experience is key to increasing customer satisfaction. seQura offers various solutions that significantly enhance this experience, such as one-click payments and flexible financing options. These tools allow customers to spread the cost of their purchases in more manageable instalments, increasing their purchasing power and overall satisfaction. In addition, seQura simplifies the returns and refund processes, a crucial factor in maintaining customer trust.

Want to learn more? Get in touch!

At seQura, we help your business grow sustainably while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and delivering an exceptional shopping experience for your customers. Let’s talk, we’re ready to support you.