ADR and ODR in Shopify: ANPC Legal Obligation and How to Add Them Correctly
Alpar TorokDo I have to display ADR and ODR links on my Shopify store?
Yes, you do. If you sell online in Romania to individuals, the ADR (SAL) and ODR (SOL) platforms are not optional. The law requires you to display them, even if you don't take orders directly through a cart and even if you direct users to WhatsApp or a form. If you use Shopify, the good news is you can add them easily without ruining your mobile design.
What do ADR and ODR mean?
ADR (SAL in Romanian) stands for Alternative Dispute Resolution. It is the ANPC platform where customers can submit complaints without going to court. It’s not complicated, but you must provide them with this option.
ODR (SOL in Romanian) stands for Online Dispute Resolution. It is the official European Union platform for complaints between customers and online stores.
The official links are:
What does the law say?
The law is clear:
- ANPC Order no. 449/2022
- Regulation (EU) 524/2013
- Directive 2013/11/EU
If you sell products or services online to individuals, you must display these links on your site in a visible manner. ANPC also recommends using clear icons, not just text links hidden in the footer.
Who must display the ADR and ODR icons?
Depending on your website's activity, displaying the ADR and ODR icons may or may not be mandatory. Below is a guidance table:
| Site Type / Activity | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online store with physical products | YES | E.g.: clothing, electronics, toys |
| Online services sold to individuals | YES | E.g.: subscriptions, courses, consultations |
| Orders via WhatsApp, email, or phone | YES | Presenting a product + taking orders = commerce |
| Online bookings (e.g.: salons, hotels) | YES | Even if payment is made physically |
| Presentation site with an order form | YES | Still considered online commerce |
| B2B site without prices or cart | NO | If you do not target individual consumers |
| Personal blog without sales or ads | NO | Online commerce laws do not apply |
| NGO without product/service sales | NO | Unless you sell t-shirts, tickets, etc. |
| Site redirecting to eMAG/Amazon etc. | YES | If you are the merchant and your site promotes it |
| Influencers with affiliate links | NO | Other rules apply (e.g.: marking sponsored content) |
Recommendation: if you have the slightest doubt and you sell or present products to the public, it’s safer to display the links. It doesn't hurt anyone and saves you from trouble.
Where should the links be placed?
The safest approach is to place them in the following locations:
- In the footer – visible on all pages
- On the Terms and Conditions page
- (Optional) In order confirmation emails
The recommended size for icons is 250x50px. You can use official icons or integrate them into a more discreet but visible design.
HTML code that works correctly on mobile
We have tested several versions, and this is the final formula that looks great on both desktop and mobile—without causing horizontal scrolling or breaking the theme layout:
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; width: 100%;">
<div style="max-width: 1200px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px 15px; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 20px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://anpc.ro/ce-este-sal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-describedby="a11y-external-message">
<img src="{ADR IMAGE URL}" alt="What is ADR?" style="width: 250px; max-width: 100%; height: auto;">
</a>
<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/main/index.cfm?event=main.home2.show&lng=RO" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">
<img src="{ODR IMAGE URL}" alt="Online Dispute Resolution" style="width: 250px; max-width: 100%; height: auto;">
</a>
</div>
</div>
Where to insert it in Shopify
You have two options:
1. Your theme supports custom sections (Online Store 2.0)
- Go to Online Store > Customize
- Open the footer
- Add a Custom Liquid block and insert the code above
2. Theme does not allow Custom Liquid in the footer
- Go to Online Store > Edit code
- Open the
footer.liquidfile - Add the code before
</footer>
Why you shouldn't ignore them?
Beyond the legal aspect, ADR and ODR icons signal that you are serious and transparent. Most customers won't click them, but the mere fact that they are there matters. And if ANPC ever comes for an inspection, you won't be caught off guard.
Quick Recap
| Element | Mandatory? | Where to place |
|---|---|---|
| ADR Link | Yes | Footer, Terms and Conditions |
| ODR Link | Yes | Footer, Terms and Conditions |
| Visible Icons | Recommended | On-site, 250x50px |
| Compatible HTML Code | Practically yes | Custom block or footer.liquid |
Full code to insert in Shopify (Custom Liquid or footer)
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; width: 100%;">
<div style="max-width: 1200px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px 15px; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 20px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://anpc.ro/ce-este-sal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-describedby="a11y-external-message">
<img src="{ ADR image URL uploaded under contents }" alt="What is ADR?" style="width: 250px; max-width: 100%; height: auto;">
</a>
<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/main/index.cfm?event=main.home2.show&lng=RO" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">
<img src="{ ODR image URL uploaded under contents }" alt="Online Dispute Resolution" style="width: 250px; max-width: 100%; height: auto;">
</a>
</div>
</div>
Not long ago, we published an article regarding legal requirements for a website in Romania, and it seems we already need to make updates, as the legal requirement for Accessibility recently emerged.
Final thought
In e-commerce, it’s not just products that sell. How you show you follow the rules matters too. ADR and ODR won't bring you direct conversions, but they can prevent unpleasant issues and build trust. And honestly, in Shopify, they can really be added in two minutes. So… put them up and move on to what matters: growing your sales.
Prefer not to deal with the implementation of ADR and ODR icons?
We have already integrated them into dozens of Shopify sites—no horizontal scrolling, no breaking the theme, no headaches.
If you want us to add them to your site as well, we can do it quickly and at no cost.
All you have to do is let us know.
Schedule a 15-minute talkNote: The information in this article is based on our experience working with online stores and our public interpretation of ANPC and EU regulations. This text does not constitute legal advice. For specific situations or legal uncertainties, we recommend consulting a lawyer or a legal compliance specialist.
