Legal Services for Online Stores and Digital Businesses Across Canada
E-commerce businesses in Canada operate in a fast-moving digital environment — but they are governed by very real and enforceable laws. Whether you run a direct-to-consumer brand, subscription platform, digital marketplace, Amazon store, Etsy Store, or multi-channel online business, legal compliance is not optional.
Substance Law advises ecommerce businesses across Canada on consumer protection, privacy compliance, online contracting, regulatory risk, advertising law, cross-border sales, and dispute management. We work with startups, scaling brands, and established online retailers to reduce risk and support growth.
Online stores must navigate:
- Federal and provincial consumer protection laws
- Canadian privacy legislation (including PIPEDA)
- Competition and advertising law
- Electronic commerce disclosure requirements
- Payment and chargeback risk
- Cross-border compliance issues
- Platform policies and enforcement
Ignoring these areas can result in regulatory scrutiny, customer disputes, payment processor problems, or reputational damage.
Website Terms & Legal Documentation
Properly drafted website documentation is foundational for any ecommerce business. Templates downloaded online rarely reflect Canadian legal requirements or your specific operational risks.
We draft and review:
- Website Terms and Conditions
- Terms of Sale
- Privacy Policies
- Cookie Policies
- Refund and Return Policies
- Shipping and Delivery Terms
- Subscription and auto-renewal terms
- Marketplace participation terms
Strong legal documentation reduces chargebacks, clarifies customer rights, and limits liability.
Consumer Protection & Advertising Compliance
Canadian ecommerce businesses must comply with provincial consumer protection statutes. Requirements often include:
- Clear pricing disclosure
- Transparent refund and cancellation policies
- Proper subscription renewal disclosures
- Accurate promotional and discount advertising
Online claims must also comply with federal competition and advertising standards. Marketing statements, testimonials, influencer promotions, and “limited time” offers are frequently scrutinized.
We help businesses review campaigns before launch — not after complaints arise.
Privacy & Data Protection
If your ecommerce business collects personal information — including email addresses, payment data, shipping information, or behavioural data — privacy compliance is required.
We assist with:
- Privacy policy drafting
- Consent mechanisms
- Email marketing compliance
- Data protection risk analysis
- Cross-border data transfer issues
Privacy compliance is especially important for businesses using Shopify, Amazon, Stripe, or third-party analytics tools.
Ecommerce Contracts & Supply Chain Risk
Legal risk often arises not from customers — but from suppliers, manufacturers, fulfillment providers, and distributors.
We draft and negotiate:
- Supplier agreements
- Co-manufacturing agreements
- Fulfillment and logistics contracts
- Marketplace and reseller agreements
- Technology vendor contracts
Clear contracts allocate risk for product defects, recalls, shipping failures, and regulatory compliance.
Platform Risk & Disputes
Platform enforcement is increasingly aggressive. Ecommerce businesses may face:
- Account suspensions
- Payment holds
- Intellectual property complaints
- Chargeback disputes
- Policy violation notices
We assist with compliance strategy, dispute management, and risk mitigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do online stores need terms and conditions in Canada?
Yes. While not always statutorily mandated, properly drafted terms significantly reduce liability and clarify customer rights.
Do ecommerce businesses need a privacy policy?
Yes. If you collect personal information, privacy compliance is required under Canadian law.
Are online promotions regulated?
Yes. Marketing and promotional claims must comply with advertising and competition laws.
What happens if a regulator investigates my ecommerce business?
You may face compliance reviews, penalties, refund obligations, or enforcement action.
Can you help with platform disputes?
Yes. We assist with account reinstatement strategies and policy compliance responses
