Legislation
Do you run a webshop or sell services online? Then you have just a few days left to take action. From 19 June 2026, you are legally required to have a clear cancellation button on your website. This follows from European Directive (EU) 2023/2673 and is implemented in Dutch law via article 6:230oa of the Dutch Civil Code.
The idea behind the law is straightforward: if a consumer can buy something in a few clicks, they must also be able to cancel it in a few clicks. An email address, downloadable form or customer service process is no longer sufficient from that date. The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) is actively enforcing this rule.
The cancellation button is a clear digital button or function that allows consumers to cancel their online purchase or service within the legal cooling-off period of 14 days. The button must carry clear wording, such as 'cancel agreement here'.
The cancellation button does not replace the model withdrawal form. It is an additional, lower-threshold option for the consumer.
After the consumer clicks the button, two steps follow:
1. The consumer confirms they want to cancel the purchase or service.
2. You send the consumer a message confirming the cancellation. Only after the consumer confirms does the return period begin.
The requirement applies to:
✅ Webshops selling products to consumers (B2C)
✅ Providers of online services, such as online courses, coaching programmes or subscriptions
✅ Online sellers via social media
❌ B2B webshops that sell exclusively to other businesses fall outside the requirement.
❌ Products excluded from the right of withdrawal (such as custom-made goods or perishable products) are also excluded.
📅 Deadline: 19 June 2026
The law must be in force by then. Note: the entry-into-force date is based on the expected publication in the Official Gazette. The Senate and House of Representatives must formally adopt the bill. Do not wait for that. The ACM has already announced it will actively enforce from this date.
If your webshop fails to correctly inform consumers about the withdrawal option or the button is missing:
⚠️ Risk of fines from the ACM
⚠️ The legal cooling-off period can be extended to up to 12 months
⚠️ Legal disputes with customers
1. Add a cancellation button to your webshop, clearly visible. For example in the customer portal, on the order page or in the order confirmation.
2. Include a confirmation step: the consumer confirms the cancellation, after which you immediately send a written confirmation (email suffices).
3. Partial cancellation must also be possible: if someone orders 3 products and only wants to return 1, that must be possible via the button.
4. Update your terms and conditions to include the availability and location of the cancellation function.
5. Keep records: all cancellations submitted via the button must be stored on a durable medium.
The right of withdrawal itself does not change. Consumers had and keep 14 days to reconsider. What changes is only the way they exercise that right. That must now also be possible digitally and directly via your platform.
Do you run a webshop or sell services online and want to make sure your administration and contracts are in order? At Sarabel, we are happy to help you with the legal and administrative side of your business. Book a free consultation and we will look at what applies to your situation.
📅 Last updated: June 2026