The OFT is reportedly intending to bring the sector into line with other "distance sellers", with a particular focus on guarantees, terms and conditions, returns policies, and contact details.

Under new proposals upon which the UK's e-commerce sector is currently being consulted, internet retailers would be obliged to provide full contact details on their websites, to standardise their terms and conditions (and ensure that customers have understood and agreed to, rather than merely reading them), and to make returns policies clear.

The industry consultation period ends in January.