Answer
The Impressum (also called Imprint) is a legally required page showing your business details. Identity First Media generates it automatically from your footer settings, so you always comply with European rules for online business.
Details
Why is it there?
When you offer products or services online, you are required to make your business details publicly available. This is established in multiple laws:
- Netherlands: Civil Code article 3:15d requires service providers to display their name, address and Chamber of Commerce number.
- Germany: The Digital Services Act (DDG) §5 requires a comprehensive Impressum including trade register number and VAT ID.
- EU-wide: The e-Commerce Directive (2000/31/EC, article 5) mandates that every provider of online services must be identifiable.
In short: your customers must always be able to see who is behind the website.
What details are shown?
- Company name
- Address (street, postal code, city)
- Email address
- Chamber of Commerce or trade register number
- VAT number (if applicable)
- Responsible person
About the phone number: A phone number is not legally required. The European Court of Justice ruled in case C-298/07 (deutsche internet versicherung) that an email address plus a contact form is sufficient. Your phone number is only displayed if you have enabled it yourself via Dashboard > Settings > Footer.
Where do I manage my details?
- Go to Dashboard > Settings > Footer
- Fill in your company details (company name, address, email, registration number, VAT)
- The Impressum page updates automatically
If details are missing, the page shows a warning to visitors.
Does Google index the Impressum?
No. The page has a noindex tag, meaning Google will not index it. The Impressum exists purely for legal compliance, not for discoverability. The link appears in the footer of your website.
Multilingual URLs
- Dutch: /impressum
- English: /en/imprint
- German: /de/impressum
The labels on the page are automatically translated to match the visitor's language.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an Impressum if I only operate in the Netherlands? Yes. Under Dutch law (Civil Code 3:15d), you are required to publish your business details when offering online services. Germany has stricter requirements, but the basic obligation applies across the EU.
Can I customise the Impressum text? No, the page is automatically generated from your settings. This prevents errors and ensures the correct details are always visible. You manage the details themselves via Dashboard > Settings > Footer.
Am I required to show my phone number? No. The European Court of Justice ruled that email plus an alternative contact channel is sufficient (case C-298/07). You can toggle the phone number on or off in your footer settings.
What happens if my details are incomplete? The Impressum page shows a banner indicating that details are missing. Visitors can still see the page, but with a warning. Complete your details as soon as possible.
Override
Operating outside the EU/UK but still want to show an imprint? Go to Settings > Legal region and set the Imprint override to "On". For more info, search for "legal region and overrides".