Excessive surcharges on card payments and pre-ticked boxes on websites are set to be banned following the coming into force of new EU consumer rights legislation.

Under the new rules, which must be fully implemented by 13th June 2014, retailers across the EU will have to give clearer price information and provide shoppers with longer cooling-off periods to cancel orders and return goods.

Liberal Democrat MEP Bill Newton Dunn commented:

"These new EU rules will finally bring consumer law into line with the digital era. Customers in the UK do more of their shopping online than almost any other country in the world, so this is particularly welcome news for them and will protect them from unnecessary card fees."

"I am also glad that UK businesses have been overwhelmingly supportive of these changes. Greater legal clarity will make it easier for Britain's world-leading digital firms to expand into Europe, where the rapidly growing e-commerce market is now worth over £200 billion a year."

"This is a great example of what the EU does best, getting a better deal for consumers at home while creating exciting new opportunities for businesses abroad."