In short. Covered marketplaces must collect trader contact, identity, payment account and registration details plus a compliance self-certification, and make best efforts to verify them.
Definition: Trader traceability is the collection and checking of information identifying professional sellers on an online marketplace. As of October 2026, Article 30 of the Digital Services Act (DSA) requires covered marketplaces to obtain contact, identity, payment account and registration details, plus a compliance self-certification, before traders use the service to promote or offer products or services to EU consumers.
Key facts
- Under DSA Article 30(2), marketplaces must make best efforts to assess whether trader information is reliable and complete before allowing the trader to use their services.
- The European Commission's online shopping guidance explains that marketplaces must verify and display sellers' contact details, including their name and address.
- The Commission's VIES guidance explains that the VAT Information Exchange System retrieves information from national VAT databases when a search is made.
Which marketplaces and traders are covered?
DSA Article 30(1) applies to online platforms allowing consumers to conclude distance contracts with traders. Article 3(f) defines a trader as a natural or legal person acting for purposes relating to a trade, business, craft or profession.
Article 29 excludes marketplace providers qualifying as micro or small enterprises under Recommendation 2003/361/EC. It also provides a further 12 months of exclusion after loss of that status, subject to the designated very large online platform exception. Designated very large online platforms are covered irrespective of that enterprise status. The exemption concerns the marketplace provider's size.
What information must the marketplace obtain?
Article 30(1) specifies the following information, where applicable to the trader:
- The marketplace obtains the trader's name, address, telephone number and email address.
- It obtains a copy of the trader's identification document or electronic identification within the meaning of the EU electronic identification regulation.
- It obtains the trader's payment account details.
- If the trader is registered in a trade register or similar public register, it obtains that register's identity and the registration number or equivalent identifier.
- It obtains the trader's self-certification committing to offer only products or services complying with applicable EU law.
Article 30(2) makes traders responsible for the accuracy of the information they provide.
How must the marketplace check the information?
Article 30(2) requires best efforts to assess reliability and completeness using freely accessible official databases or interfaces provided by a Member State or the EU, or supporting documents from reliable sources requested from the trader.
Recital 73 names national trade registers and VIES as examples. Supporting documents can include copies of identity documents, certified payment account statements, company certificates and trade register certificates.
The Commission's VIES explanation adds a practical qualification: an invalid VAT response can result from a number that has not been activated for intra-EU transactions or a registration that is still being finalised. National authorities can confirm whether a particular name and address are associated with a VAT number.
Which information is displayed or retained?
Under Article 30(7), the marketplace makes the trader's contact details, applicable register information and self-certification available in a clear, easily accessible and comprehensible manner. These details must appear at least on the interface presenting the product or service. Identity documents and payment account details fall outside this publication list.
Article 30(5) requires secure storage of the information obtained under paragraphs 1 and 2 for six months after the contractual relationship ends, followed by deletion. Article 30(6) restricts disclosure to third parties to cases required by applicable law, without prejudice to the verification process.
Related terms
FAQ
What happens if your trader information becomes inaccurate?
Under Article 30(3), a marketplace with sufficient indications or reason to believe information is inaccurate, incomplete or outdated must request correction without delay or within the legally prescribed period. If you fail to correct or complete it, the marketplace must swiftly suspend services relating to offers to EU consumers until you comply fully.
Can you challenge refusal or suspension?
Yes. Article 30(4) gives you a complaint right under Articles 20 and 21 when access is refused under paragraph 1 or services are suspended under paragraph 3. Those articles concern internal complaints and out-of-court dispute settlement.
Sources
- EUR-Lex, "Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act)", 19 October 2022
- European Commission, "Protecting you when buying online", updated 16 July 2026
- European Commission, Your Europe, "Check a VAT number (VIES)", last checked 18 June 2026
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