What changed
EU consumers already had a 14-day right to withdraw from most online purchases. Directive (EU) 2023/2673 added a new Article 11a to the Consumer Rights Directive, which requires traders to make withdrawing as easy as buying. The rule has applied since 19 June 2026, through each EU country’s national law.
It doesn’t create a new right to cancel, or change the 14-day period or its exceptions. It changes how you can use the right.
How the button must work
- The withdrawal function must be labelled “withdraw from contract here” or with an equally clear wording.
- It must be prominently displayed and easily accessible for the whole withdrawal period, on the same online interface you used to buy.
- You enter or confirm basic details (such as your name, the contract and how you’ll be contacted), then confirm with a second function labelled “confirm withdrawal” or similar.
- The trader must then send you an acknowledgement, including the date and time of your withdrawal, on a durable medium such as email, without undue delay.
Who it applies to
It applies to distance contracts concluded through an online interface, such as a website or app, with consumers in the EU, where a right of withdrawal exists. That includes businesses based outside the EU, such as UK or US sellers, that direct their sales to EU consumers. It doesn’t apply to business-to-business sales or to purchases that have no withdrawal right, such as personalised goods.
What it means for shoppers
If you change your mind within 14 days, look for the withdrawal button on the seller’s site or app, often in the footer or your account. Keep the acknowledgement email. You still need to return goods within 14 days of withdrawing, and the trader must refund you within 14 days of getting them back or proof that you sent them. See refunds and returns.
What it means for sellers
- Add a compliant two-step withdrawal function to every online sales channel that sells to EU consumers.
- Make sure it works without forcing a login, where buying didn’t require one, and that it sends an automatic timestamped acknowledgement.
- Update your terms and pre-contract information.
- Check national implementing laws in your key markets, as details and penalties can vary.
The UK isn’t covered by this EU rule. UK cancellation rights stay under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, and the UK’s separate subscription contract reforms are not yet in force (see cancelling subscriptions).
General information, not legal advice. This post reflects the position on the date shown. Check the official sources below for the latest rules.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
