The EU Commission publishes its preliminary report on the ongoing e-commerce sector inquiry

On September 15, 2016, the European Commission published its Preliminary Report on the ongoing e-commerce sector inquiry. The report is based on the input from nearly 1,800 companies operating in e-commerce of consumer goods and digital content and has analyzed around 8,000 distribution contracts. The report confirms the fast growth of e- commerce in the EU and identifies business practices that may restrict or distort competition. On October 6, 2016, the Commission held a Public Conference in Brussels to discuss the Preliminary Report. The e-commerce sector inquiry was launched on May 6, 2015 and forms part of the Commission's Digital Single Market Strategy, one of the main pillars of which is to ensure better access for consumers and businesses to goods and services online across