In future, consumers should be able to withdraw from online contracts as easily as concluding the contract itself – ideally with just a few clicks. This is the aim of the new withdrawal button (not to be mistaken for the cancellation button), which will soon be mandatory for many online providers. The withdrawal button is a significant innovation in e-commerce and aims to further strengthen consumer rights. Below you can find out what specifically is required from your company.
What is the withdrawal button and why is it being introduced?
The withdrawal button is a digital button designed to enable consumers to withdraw from contracts concluded online easily and directly on the website of an online provider. The idea behind that is simple: the withdrawal should be just as easy as the conclusion of the contract itself. This is the legislator’s response to the advancing digitalization and shall strengthen the rights of consumers in online business transactions.
When will the withdrawal button become mandatory?
From June 19, 2026, companies that conclude contracts online with consumers must have implemented the withdrawal button on their websites.
What do companies have to implement in concrete terms?
The introduction of the withdrawal button requires some adjustments to your website and your processes:
- Clear labeling and placement: The button must be clearly legible and clearly labeled. The EU directive on which this obligation is based suggests formulations such as “Withdraw from contract” or a similarly unambiguous label. It must be easy for consumers to find and always available during the entire withdrawal period (generally 14 days).
- Simple withdrawal process: After clicking on the button, the consumer should be led to a subpage where they can simply enter or confirm the information required for withdrawal (e.g. name, contract details, email address for confirmation).
- Immediate confirmation: As soon as the consumer has declared the withdrawal via the button, the online provider must immediately confirm receipt of this declaration on a durable medium (e.g. by email).
- Adapt information obligations: Online providers must inform their customers about the existence and functionality of the withdrawal button before the contract is concluded – for example in the withdrawal information or the general terms and conditions.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Online providers that do not implement the withdrawal button or do not implement it correctly after the deadline of June 19, 2026 must expect unpleasant consequences. These include:
- Warning letters: Competitors or consumer protection associations could issue warnings for compliance breaches, which are associated with costs and injunctive relief.
- Fines: Depending on national implementation, authorities may impose fines.
- Extension of the withdrawal period: The extension of the withdrawal period can be a particularly serious consequence. If a consumer is not properly informed about the withdrawal button, the usual 14-day withdrawal period can be extended to up to 12 months and 14 days.
- Legal disputes: In individual cases, legal disputes with consumers are also not unlikely.
Even if the deadline of June 2026 still seems a little way off, companies should plan the changeover early. Check your website and internal processes to make any necessary adjustments in good time.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the specific implementation of the withdrawal button in your company!
