Best E-commerce & Internet Law Lawyers in Córdoba

About E-commerce & Internet Law in Córdoba, Argentina

This guide gives a practical, easy-to-understand overview of e-commerce and internet law as it applies in Córdoba, Argentina. E-commerce and internet law covers a wide range of rules and best practices that affect online businesses, platform operators, sellers, and consumers. Key themes include consumer protection, data protection and privacy, electronic contracts and signatures, taxation and invoicing, cybersecurity and liability, advertising and promotions, and compliance with national and provincial regulations. While many rules are set at the national level, provincial authorities and local practices in Córdoba also matter for enforcement, consumer claims and business support.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Online commerce raises legal issues that differ from traditional stores. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:

- Launching an e-commerce site, marketplace or app and needing contracts, terms of use, privacy policies and compliance checks.

- Handling personal data of customers - collecting, storing, transferring or profiling data - and needing to comply with Argentina's data protection rules.

- Dealing with consumer claims, returns, refunds, warranties or product liability complaints from buyers in Córdoba or elsewhere in Argentina.

- Receiving regulatory notices or investigations from consumer protection or data protection authorities.

- Structuring cross-border sales, imports, customs and VAT or monotributo obligations, including electronic invoicing requirements.

- Resolving disputes with payment providers, marketplaces, hosting providers, or technology suppliers.

- Responding to cybersecurity incidents, data breaches or requests for disclosure from authorities or third parties.

- Planning promotional campaigns, sweepstakes or influencer marketing that must follow advertising and consumer law rules.

- Negotiating terms with suppliers, platform partners or investors, or preparing corporate documents for growth and compliance.

Local Laws Overview

The legal framework relevant to e-commerce in Córdoba combines national laws, provincial rules and industry standards. Key aspects to understand include:

- Consumer protection - National consumer protection rules apply to e-commerce and generally give consumers rights over returns, refunds, clear information, delivery times and unfair terms. Sellers must provide transparent information about prices, taxes, shipping and warranty conditions. Provincial offices can receive complaints and mediate disputes.

- Personal data protection - Argentina has a well-established data protection regime that regulates collection, storage and transfer of personal data. Businesses must apply principles of legality, purpose limitation and proportionality, and implement security measures. Processing sensitive data and international transfers require special safeguards.

- Electronic signatures and digital contracts - Electronic communications and signatures are recognized for many commercial transactions, but formalities can vary by contract type. Clear consent, identity verification and records of electronic acceptance help ensure enforceability.

- Tax and invoicing obligations - AFIP rules govern VAT, income tax and electronic invoicing. Online sellers must understand invoicing obligations, tax classification (for example, monotributo versus responsible inscripto), and duty rules for cross-border sales and imports.

- Advertising and promotions - Advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and must comply with special rules for promotions, discounts and sweepstakes. Commercial communications to consumers via email or messaging must respect consent and spam rules.

- Payment systems and financial regulation - Payment methods, fraud prevention and AML obligations can trigger rules for payment service providers and high-value operations. Using regulated payment processors can reduce compliance risk.

- Platform and intermediary liability - Liability questions arise for marketplaces, hosting services and platforms. Contract terms and how the platform operates will affect exposure. Courts and regulators examine intermediate liability based on conduct and knowledge of illicit activities.

- Local enforcement and dispute resolution - Consumers can bring claims before consumer protection offices or civil courts. Provincial bodies in Córdoba may offer mediation and can impose sanctions for breaches of consumer rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Argentine consumer law apply to online sales made in Córdoba?

Yes. Consumer protection rules established at the national level apply to online sales to consumers in Córdoba. Sellers must provide clear pre-purchase information about price, taxes, shipping, delivery times, return and warranty terms. Consumers have rights to remedies for defective products and unfair practices, and they can file complaints with consumer protection authorities.

What do I need to include in my e-commerce site to comply with legal requirements?

At minimum you should have clear terms and conditions, a privacy policy describing data processing practices, transparent pricing including taxes and shipping costs, return and refund policies, contact information, and mechanism for customer complaints. You should also document consent for commercial communications and ensure secure payment processing. A lawyer can draft or review these documents to match your business model and legal obligations.

How does data protection work for customer data collected online?

Personal data must be processed lawfully, for specific purposes and with adequate security. You should minimize data collection, obtain consent or rely on other legal bases, inform users about processing activities, and implement technical and organizational measures to protect data. Transfers of personal data abroad may require additional safeguards. If you suffer a data breach, you may have reporting obligations depending on the type and scope of the incident.

Are electronic signatures valid for contracts and invoices?

Electronic signatures are generally recognized in Argentina and can make contracts enforceable when they establish the parties' intent and identity. For invoices and tax documents, Argentina uses specific electronic invoicing systems governed by AFIP. Some formal acts may still require specific types of signatures or certificates, so verify the requirements for each document type.

What tax obligations should I consider when selling online from Córdoba?

Online sellers must comply with national tax rules administered by AFIP, including registration, issuing electronic invoices and reporting VAT and income tax. The appropriate tax regime depends on your revenue and activity - for example, monotributo is available for small taxpayers, while larger businesses have different obligations. Cross-border sales may face customs duties and special VAT treatment for imports. Consult a tax advisor familiar with e-commerce operations.

Who is liable when a marketplace seller breaches consumer rights?

Liability depends on the role and conduct of the marketplace. Marketplaces that actively facilitate transactions, set terms, or guarantee products can be treated as sellers or joint liable with the third-party vendor. Clear terms of service and processes for complaint handling help, but consumer authorities can still pursue claims against platforms that enable unfair practices.

What should I do if I receive a consumer complaint or an administrative notice?

Act promptly - review the complaint, gather relevant records, and respond within any time limits set by the notice or the regulator. Consider offering remedy if appropriate, such as a refund, replacement or repair. Engage a lawyer if the claim is complex, punitive sanctions are possible, or if you need to negotiate with authorities or contest the claims in court or through mediation.

Can I send marketing messages to customers by email or messaging apps?

You can send commercial messages if you have consent or another lawful basis and you provide a clear and simple opt-out mechanism. Messages must not be misleading or abusive. Keep records of consent and honor unsubscribe requests promptly. Certain types of marketing, such as deceptive promotions, are subject to stricter controls under consumer law.

How should I prepare for a cybersecurity incident or data breach?

Prepare an incident response plan that identifies responsible persons, containment and remediation steps, and communication protocols. Maintain backups, apply security updates, and lock down access controls. Document the incident and timeline, assess affected data, and determine reporting obligations to regulators or affected individuals. A lawyer with cybersecurity experience can help coordinate legal notifications and limit exposure.

How do I choose the right lawyer for e-commerce and internet law in Córdoba?

Look for a lawyer or firm with experience in e-commerce, data protection, consumer law and technology contracts. Check their local knowledge of Córdoba and national enforcement practices, ask for examples of similar clients, and verify membership with the Colegio de Abogados de Córdoba. Discuss fees, engagement terms and expected timelines before hiring. Consider whether you need a specialist for taxes or cybersecurity in addition to a commercial internet lawyer.

Additional Resources

Below are types of local and national resources to consult when you need more information or assistance:

- Colegio de Abogados de Córdoba - local bar association can help identify licensed lawyers and may offer referral services.

- Provincial consumer protection office in Córdoba - accepts complaints and provides information about consumer rights and mediation services.

- Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos - national tax authority for guidance on invoicing, VAT and tax obligations relating to e-commerce.

- National data protection authority - the agency responsible for personal data protection and guidance on compliance obligations.

- Local chambers of commerce and industry associations - they often provide training, model documents and advice for online businesses.

- Payment service providers and industry standards organizations - for guidance on secure payments and compliance with payment data rules.

- Technology and cybersecurity consultants - to help with security audits, incident response planning and technical compliance.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance, follow these steps to move forward efficiently:

- Gather documentation - prepare a concise file with business model description, sample contracts, website terms, privacy policy, recent customer complaints and any notices or communications from authorities.

- Identify priorities - decide if the immediate need is prevention - such as website compliance, contracts and policies - or response - such as dealing with a complaint, notice or incident.

- Contact a local lawyer - request an initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in e-commerce and internet law in Córdoba. Ask about their experience with consumer protection, data protection and tax matters for online businesses.

- Discuss fees and scope - agree on engagement terms, deliverables and fees in writing. Consider a limited-scope engagement for a specific task if you are cost-conscious.

- Implement recommended changes - once you receive legal advice, implement policy updates, security measures and operational changes to reduce risk.

- Keep records and review periodically - e-commerce rules and technology evolve. Schedule periodic legal reviews of your policies and contracts, especially before major changes or expansions.

Remember - this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized legal advice. For decisions that could affect your legal rights or business obligations, consult a qualified lawyer in Córdoba who can assess your specific situation.