Online auctions site eBay has extended its returns period to at least 14 days, in anticipation of new European Union regulations.

The website says the change will allow its users to prepare for the impending regulatory change, which will see the standard returns period rise from the current seven days to a fortnight. The new regulations are due to come into force from December this year.

"While the increase to 14 days is a longer time frame than the seven-day cancellation period under current UK and Irish rules, eBay wants to ensure its buyers and sellers are well-prepared for the 14-day returns period that will be required," eBay Europe's head of UK and Ireland seller communications Patrick Munden told Internet Retailing.

Individual users selling goods on eBay will now have the option to specify how long buyers have to return items they purchase - which must be at least 14 days - and who will cover the cost of return postage. Business users will have to provide the information later this year.

Earlier this week, eBay predicted that its mobile sales would total $20bn (£13.2bn) in 2013, potentially indicating continued strong demand for parcel delivery services.

Author:  Adrian Medland