Where to Buy Coffee Roasting Machines in Europe? Your Rights as a Customer
Purchasing professional equipment like coffee roasting machines is a significant investment, and as a customer in the European Union, you have the full right to choose where to buy. Whether you are a business owner or a coffee enthusiast, your decision should be guided by what best suits your needs—not by restrictions imposed by distributors or manufacturers. Moreover, these rights extend beyond roasting machines to other equipment like grinders, sorters, and packaging machines.
This article explains your rights, the regulations that protect them, and why you are free to make purchases from any supplier in the EU.
European Competition Law – Protecting Your Choices
The European Union operates on the principle of free trade within its single market. A cornerstone of this system is Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which prohibits agreements that restrict competition, including those that prevent what is known as passive sales.
What Are Passive Sales?
Passive sales refer to situations where a customer actively seeks to purchase a product from a distributor outside their designated region. For example, a business owner in Germany may choose to buy a coffee roasting machine from a supplier in Poland, even if there is an exclusive distributor in Germany. EU law ensures that customers have the right to make such decisions without interference.
Restrictions on passive sales are considered "hardcore restrictions" under EU competition law, meaning they are among the most severe violations. Distributors cannot refuse to fulfill orders based on the customer’s location within the EU if the customer initiates the purchase.
How Does This Work in Practice?
While distributors may have exclusive territories for active marketing and sales, they are not allowed to block or refuse passive sales. This means:
- You can freely compare offers from distributors across Europe and choose the one that suits you best.
- A distributor outside your country cannot decline your order, even if there is a local distributor in your region.
Why Is This Important?
The freedom to choose your supplier ensures:
- Better prices: Customers can benefit from competitive pricing across different markets.
- Improved service: Some suppliers may offer faster shipping, better warranties, or enhanced technical support.
- More options: Access to a broader range of products and models tailored to your specific needs.
This Applies to More Than Coffee Roasting Machines
While this article focuses on coffee roasting machines, the same principles apply to all professional equipment sold within the EU. Whether you are looking for coffee grinders, sorters, or packaging machines, you are free to purchase them from any supplier in the EU who meets your requirements.
Key Takeaways
As a customer in the European Union, you have the legal right to:
- Choose where to purchase your coffee roasting machine or other equipment, regardless of distributor territories.
- Expect that your orders will be fulfilled by the distributor of your choice, even if there is a local distributor in your region.
Important Note
This article is for informational purposes only. Each case may require individual analysis, and we recommend consulting a legal expert on EU competition law if you have specific concerns.
