Until now, canceling an online purchase was often cumbersome: customers had to search for email addresses or fill out hidden forms. The new law now requires a two-step process: a clearly labeled button such as “Cancel contract” must be prominently placed, followed by a confirmation step to prevent accidental clicks.
The regulation applies to almost all online retail—from large mail-order companies to streaming services and platforms for online courses. On marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, the operators are responsible for the technical implementation. The button is mandatory wherever consumers have a legal right of withdrawal, such as for goods, services, digital products, or financial products concluded online.
The German Retail Association warns of “bureaucratic burdens” due to the change. The right of withdrawal itself remains unchanged: the usual 14-day period after contract conclusion or goods delivery still applies. The legislator’s goal is to make cancellation as quick and straightforward as the purchase itself.
Source: Tagesschau
