Selling Online in Ontario: A Legal Checklist for Your Store

Ontario's Consumer Protection Act has specific rules for internet agreements with consumers. If you sell to Ontario consumers online, they apply to you.

Before the customer pays

Show clearly:

• your business name, address and contact information;
• a description of the goods or services;
• the full price, including taxes, shipping and any extra fees;
• delivery date and method;
• your cancellation, return, exchange and refund policies.

After the sale

Give the customer a copy of the agreement, usually by email, within the required time.

If you don't follow the rules

Customers may be able to cancel the agreement and get a refund, for example if you didn't disclose the required information or didn't deliver on time.

Other checks

• Privacy: post a privacy policy and protect customer data.
• Email marketing: follow Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation.
• Accessibility: make your website as accessible as you can.
• Chargebacks: customers may be able to ask their credit card company to reverse a charge in some cases.

A clear refund policy

Your refund policy should be easy to find and easy to understand.

Sources

• Consumer Protection Act, 2002
• Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation

Read next: Lost Your Wallet or Had Your Identity Stolen? What to Do

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: Shopping online with a tablet and a card · Shopping bags in a small shopping cart.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.