Just in time for online shopping season — and perhaps for peak porch piracy — the first B.C. decision of its kind states that companies in this province are responsible for loss or damage of packages left on doorsteps or with anyone other than the purchaser.

The decision from Consumer Protection B.C. fined Amazon $10,000 and defines what constitutes a legal delivery in B.C.

“Goods to be delivered under a distant sales contract must be provided directly to the consumer,” wrote Shahid Noorani, vice-president of regulatory affairs for Consumer Protection B.C.

Noorani said “delivery” does not mean a company can leave a parcel with someone other than the buyer or at the front door or on a porch, unless previously agreed to by the buyer, because that would weaken consumer protections under B.

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