Changes in Online Sales in the EU: Starting this summer, returns can be made with one click
The European Union is changing the rules of online trading. From June 19, 2026, buyers will be able to cancel their online purchase literally with one click. Online stores will be required to add a special button for refunds. This is reported by “InPoland”.
The new rules stipulate that the 'contract cancellation' button will be mandatory on online store websites. It will allow buyers to quickly process a return without complicated procedures.
Returning products in the EU: how the new rule will work
Previously, buyers had the right to withdraw from an online purchase within 14 days without explaining reasons. However, in practice, it was difficult to exercise this right.
Consumers often had to:
search for the return form themselves
write emails to the seller
print documents or contact customer support.
In some cases, stores made the process complicated to make it harder to cancel a purchase.
The new rules aim to change this practice. After pressing the button, the buyer automatically submits a request to cancel the contract. The seller must send confirmation of such a request on a durable medium, such as email.
Online purchases in the EU: why businesses criticize the new rules
Not all sellers have reacted positively to the innovation. Businesses fear that the simplified return process may affect sales.
The main risks cited by companies include:
an increase in product returns
customers using items only once
a rising cost of logistics.
According to a SW Research study, about 20% of consumers aged 24 to 35 in Poland admit that they sometimes buy clothing for one-time use, after which they return it to the store for a full refund.
The new rules are the result of changes to EU directives on consumer protection. Their aim is to make the process of withdrawing from a purchase as straightforward as the purchase itself.
It should be noted that in Ukraine an electronic receipt eReceipt has been launched.
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