Website Law - minimum legal requirements for websites 

The following information must be displayed on a website.

1. Name of the business entity to whom payment is to be made.

2. Geographic address of the business entity.

3. Email address of the business entity.

If the business entity is a limited company  the following information must also appear on the website and all forms appearing on the website, from January 1st 2007, in order to comply with the Companies Act. 

A failure to do so is a breach of the Companies Act and could result in a fine.

1. The registered address of the limited company.

2. The registration number and place of registration - eg. ABC Ltd is registered in England & Wales - company registration number 1234567.

3. If the limited company is a member of any trade associations, the membership number /membership details should appear on the website.

4. If a limited company has a VAT number, this should also appear on the website.

5. Prices should be clear - it should be clear whether VAT and delivery are included in the prices quoted. 

6. A privacy policy, including a statement on the use of cookies and the rights of visitors with regard to them.

7. Any websites involving data capture (eg. feedback forms, newsletter sign-up) or if you save client or supplier data in any other way require the registration of a 'Data controller' with the Information Commissioner's Office and compliance with the Data Protection Act.

8. E-commerce sites enabling transactions on-line should comply with the Distance Selling Regulations.  

9. Phone numbers, fax numbers and email addresses of the business.

Website Law - minimum legal requirements for websites