E-Commerce and Online Purchases in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Online purchases are protected by the same consumer laws as in-store purchases, with additional considerations:
- CPFTA applies: The lemon law and unfair practices provisions cover online purchases from Singapore-based sellers.
- Electronic contracts: Under the Electronic Transactions Act, contracts formed electronically are as valid as paper contracts.
- No cooling-off period: Singapore does not have a statutory cooling-off period for online purchases (unlike some other countries). Once you click "buy," the contract is formed.
- Cross-border purchases: If the seller is overseas, enforcement is more difficult — Singapore law may not apply.
- Platform obligations: E-commerce platforms (Shopee, Lazada, Carousell) have their own dispute resolution and buyer protection policies.
When does it apply?
- You purchased goods or services online from a Singapore-based seller or through a Singapore-based platform.
- The goods are defective, not as described, or not delivered.
What to Do If an Online Seller in Singapore Has Not Delivered Your Order or Sent a Defective Item
- Contact the seller first — request a refund or replacement through the platform's dispute mechanism.
- If the seller is unresponsive, escalate through the platform's buyer protection programme.
- File with CASE or the SCT if the dispute remains unresolved.
- For credit card purchases, you may request a chargeback through your bank if the goods were not delivered or are significantly not as described.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you can always return online purchases — there is no statutory cooling-off right. Check the seller's return policy before buying.
- Don't pay via untraceable methods (direct bank transfer to unknown individuals) — use the platform's payment system for buyer protection.
- Don't buy from sellers with no Singapore presence if the item is high-value — enforcement is very difficult cross-border.
Common Questions
Is there a cooling-off period for online purchases in Singapore?
No. Singapore does not have a statutory cooling-off period for online purchases, unlike some other countries. Once you click 'buy,' the contract is formed. Check the seller's return policy before buying — any right to return depends on what the seller offers, not on a general law.
Does Singapore's lemon law apply to items I bought on Shopee or Lazada?
Yes. The CPFTA — including the lemon law and unfair practices provisions — covers online purchases from Singapore-based sellers. Electronic contracts are just as valid as paper ones under the Electronic Transactions Act. Cross-border purchases from overseas sellers are harder to enforce.
Can I get a chargeback if a Singapore online seller never delivered my order?
For credit card purchases you can request a chargeback through your bank if the goods were not delivered or are significantly not as described. First contact the seller and use the platform's dispute mechanism or buyer protection programme. If still unresolved, file with CASE or the Small Claims Tribunals.
When does it apply — e-commerce and online purchases?
You purchased goods or services online from a Singapore-based seller or through a Singapore-based platform.The goods are defective, not as described, or not delivered.
What should I do if a Shopee or Lazada seller in Singapore sent me a defective item or did not deliver my order?
Contact the seller first — request a refund or replacement through the platform's dispute mechanism.If the seller is unresponsive, escalate through the platform's buyer protection programme.File with CASE or the SCT if the dispute remains unresolved.For credit card purchases, you may request a chargeback through your bank if the goods were not delivered or are significantly not as described.
What should you NOT do — e-commerce and online purchases?
Don't assume you can always return online purchases — there is no statutory cooling-off right. Check the seller's return policy before buying.Don't pay via untraceable methods (direct bank transfer to unknown individuals) — use the platform's payment system for buyer protection.Don't buy from sellers with no Singapore presence if the item is high-value — enforcement is very difficult cross-border.