Country by country withdrawal rules
The base rules are the same across the EU. Each country then adds its own wording and small details. Here is a simple overview to help you plan.
EU law sets a shared floor. Every member country must give shoppers the right to cancel most online purchases, and must move toward an easy online way to do it. On top of that floor, each country uses its own legal terms, its own language, and sometimes its own extra steps.
Things that change by country
- Language. Your button and confirmation must be in a language your customers understand. In some countries that means more than one language.
- Legal terms. The same right has a different name in each country, as the table below shows.
- Information rules. How and where you must show the right to withdraw can vary in small ways.
- Timing of national rules. Countries put the new rules in place on their own schedule, around the EU dates.
Detailed country guides
We have a full, plain English guide for each of these markets. Pick a country to see the local term, the language rules, the steps to get ready, and how refunds work there. The cards with an arrow link to the full guide.
Germany has been a leader here. It uses the term Widerrufsbutton for the cancel button. Shops are expected to place a clear button and a confirm page that customers can reach with two clicks.
Read the Germany guideFrance has written the rule into national law, ready for the 19 June 2026 date. Online sellers must offer a simple cancellation function for distance contracts.
Read the France guideItaly applies the EU base rules on the right to cancel, the diritto di recesso. The easy online function joins the existing 14 day right.
Read the Italy guideSpain uses the term derecho de desistimiento for the right to withdraw. The same EU base applies, with national wording on how information is shown.
Read the Spain guideThe Dutch term is herroepingsrecht. Dutch rules already stress clear, plain information for shoppers before they buy.
Read the Netherlands guidePoland follows the EU base with its prawo odstapienia. Watch national guidance for the exact form of the online function.
Read the Poland guideBelgium works in more than one language, so your button text may need both Dutch and French. Plan for clear labels in each.
Sweden calls it angerratt. The base right and the move to easy online cancellation both apply.
Read the Sweden guideAustria shares much with German practice. Expect a clear button and confirm step, with the term Ruecktrittsrecht.
Ireland uses English terms. The EU base rules apply, and the easy online function is the direction of travel.
A simple plan for multi country shops
If you sell across several EU countries, you do not need a different system for each one. Build one good withdrawal flow, then make sure it can:
- 1
Show the right language
Match the button and messages to each customer language.
- 2
Use the right local term
Swap in the correct legal term per country where needed.
- 3
Keep one clear process
The same easy button, confirm step and receipt everywhere.