The number of complaints from online shoppers in the UK rose by nearly three-quarters last year, according to a survey by consumer advice watchdog the European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net)

Of the 191 complaints and disputes recorded by the UK branch of the EU-funded ECC-Net, just over half related to delivery difficulties, while problems with products themselves accounted for 28 percent.

The researchers found German online retailers suffered the most complaints. Those in the UK were in second place, with less than half the number of complaints.

According to the ECC-Net, reasons for delivery problems ranged from fraud to inadequate order processing and poor administration.

"This problem with non-delivery of goods already paid for is a threat to consumer confidence and, as a consequence, to the development of the European cross-border e-commerce market," said the report.

However, the ECC-Net concluded that the increase in disputes and complaints is more likely to be a result of the increasing popularity buying online, rather than e-traders offering a worsening service.