Purchasing on the Internet: EU introduces cancellation with a click of the mouse

The new regulation affects almost all online trade in the B2C sector, i.e. transactions between companies and private individuals. Whether it’s a shipping giant, a specialist shop, a streaming provider or an online course platform – anyone who offers contracts online must provide this function.

Tailor-made exceptions

In marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, responsibility lies with the platform operator. The button is mandatory wherever consumers already have a statutory right of withdrawal of 14 days: when purchasing goods online, services, digital goods such as streaming subscriptions, and financial services such as loans or insurance purchased online. Exceptions apply to customized products such as a monogrammed shirt and perishable items such as fresh groceries.

Unlike in Germany, this regulation does not yet come into force in Austria because the EU law has not yet been implemented. However, implementation should take place by the end of the year.