ELI President, Prof Dr Teresa Rodríguez de las Heras Ballell, spoke at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law International Symposium on Cross-Border E-Commerce Platform Rules, held on 27 April 2026 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. The symposium brought together policymakers, academics, industry representatives, and legal experts to discuss emerging regulatory frameworks for digital commerce and the governance of online platforms.

During the symposium, Prof Dr Teresa Rodríguez de las Heras Ballell delivered a presentation on ‘Charting Platform Liability Scenarios in the International Arena: Due Diligence Obligations, Civil Liability and Defective Products.’ Her contribution examined the evolving legal responsibilities of online platforms operating across jurisdictions and explored the challenges of balancing innovation, consumer protection, and legal certainty in global digital markets.

The presentation addressed key issues including due diligence requirements for platform operators, liability frameworks applicable to online intermediaries, and the allocation of responsibility in cases involving defective products sold through e-commerce platforms. 

The symposium formed part of UNCITRAL’s ongoing efforts to foster international dialogue on the legal aspects of digital trade and to promote greater harmonization of rules governing cross-border e-commerce.