New
withdrawal
button 2026.
New
withdrawal
button 2026.
from
Online retailers will have to comply with a new obligation next year: the “cancel button”. But what is behind it, when does the rule apply and how exactly does it have to be implemented?
Introduction: Simple withdrawal with a click
From June 19, 2026, a new obligation will become a reality for online retailers in the EU: the so-called withdrawal button. The reason for this is EU Directive (EU) 2023/2673 of 22.11.2023, which aims to make the withdrawal from online contracts just as easy as concluding them. Consumers should no longer have to search for cumbersome forms or write emails – one click is enough.
Background: Why the withdrawal button is coming
The EU sees a need for action because many consumers find withdrawal too complicated. The new legal situation obliges retailers to provide a digital function for online contracts that makes withdrawal simple, clearly recognizable and possible at any time during the withdrawal period.
According to the EU Commission, the implementation serves to strengthen consumer confidence in online trading and is intended to
Make consumers more aware of their law of withdrawal and simplify the possibility of exercising it.
Key point of the new regulation
According to the new regulation in Article 11a of the Consumer Rights Directive, online retailers are obliged to provide an easily accessible and clearly recognizable withdrawal function when contracts are concluded via an online user interface. This function must be marked with the words “withdraw from contract” or equivalent wording and remain available at all times during the entire withdrawal period.
The consumer must be able to use this function to simply declare withdrawal online by providing certain information such as their name, contract identifier and a means of communication for confirmation. They are then asked to confirm their decision via a confirmation function labeled “Confirm withdrawal”.
As soon as the consumer executes this confirmation, the trader is obliged to immediately send him a confirmation of receipt on a durable medium – for example by e-mail. This must contain the content of the withdrawal as well as the date and time of receipt. Withdrawal is deemed to have been exercised in good time as soon as the consumer sends the online withdrawal declaration before the withdrawal period expires.
What online retailers should do now
Even if there is still some time until 19.06.2026, retailers should plan early:
- Technical preparation: Involve web developers to programmatically set up a revocation function.
- Check placement: The button must be easy to find and logically integrated into the customer account or order area.
- Adapt texts: Cancellation notices must refer to the new function in future.
- Ensure documentation: Implement automatic shipping confirmation for withdrawals received.
- Check data protection: The function may only collect necessary data and must be GDPR-compliant.
Conclusion
Online retailers should deal with the new withdrawal button at an early stage in order to be able to implement it in time for 19.06.2026.
In addition to the technical implementation, the legal implementation must also be carried out, e.g. by adapting the withdrawal policy.
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Frequent
Questions About the
withdrawal button.
Frequent
Questions About the
withdrawal button.
When does the withdrawal button become mandatory?
From June 19, 2026, all online retailers will be obliged to integrate a withdrawal button.
Who is affected?
All companies that conclude online distance selling contracts with consumers – i.e. stores, platforms, apps or digital services.
Is a contact form still sufficient for withdrawal?
No. The withdrawal must be possible via a special function labeled “Revoke contract”, not via a general contact form.
Does the cancel button have to be in the customer account?
No, but it must be easy to find and clearly recognizable – for example in the order process or on the homepage after logging in.
Can the consumer only partially withdraw in the future?
Yes, e.g. for several items from one order.
What must the confirmation of receipt contain?
Date, time, content of the withdrawal and confirmation that the withdrawal has been received.
Does the button also apply to telephone contracts or e-mail orders?
No, only for contracts concluded via an online user interface.
Does the retailer still have to offer the model withdrawal form?
Yes, in addition – the button does not replace the form, but supplements it.
What happens if the button technically fails?
The retailer should then immediately provide alternative channels (e.g. email) and document the error.
Is there a threat of cease and desist letters in the event of non-implementation?
Yes, breaches of consumer information obligations are subject to warnings and can result in fines.
