European Union

An aggressive salesperson pressured me into signing a contract at my door. Can I cancel?

14 days

Cancellation period

No reason

No justification needed

Written notice

Required form

Free of charge

No fee to cancel

The Short Answer

Yes, you can cancel the contract within 14 days under EU law because it was made during an unsolicited visit to your home.

What the Law Says

EU law gives you special protection when a trader visits your home uninvited and sells you something — known as a 'doorstep sale'. You have a clear, automatic right to cancel such contracts without giving a reason.

This right comes from the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU), which all EU countries must apply in national law. It covers contracts made during 'uninvited visits' — meaning the trader came to your home, workplace, or another place not their usual business premises, without your prior request.

The cancellation period starts the day after you sign the contract. You must inform the trader in writing (e.g., letter, email, or using their official withdrawal form) within those 14 days. Once you do, the contract ends automatically — no negotiation or approval is needed.

The trader must give you clear information about your right to cancel at the time of signing — including how to exercise it and the deadline. If they fail to do so, your cancellation period extends to 12 months from the original deadline.

Statutory Text
The consumer shall have a period of 14 days in which to withdraw from a distance or off-premises contract.
— Directive 2011/83/EU, Art. 9(1) — Right of withdrawal

Statutory Text
An off-premises contract shall be a contract concluded between a trader and a consumer in the simultaneous physical presence of the parties, under conditions other than those of the trader’s business premises, if the contract is concluded on the initiative of the trader.
— Directive 2011/83/EU, Art. 2(9) — Definition of off-premises contract

Statutory Text
Where the trader has not provided the consumer with the required information on the right of withdrawal, the withdrawal period shall expire 12 months after the end of the initial withdrawal period.
— Directive 2011/83/EU, Art. 10(3)

What to Do

Check your contract or any paperwork for the trader’s name, address, and the date you signed.

Send a clear written notice (email or letter) stating you wish to withdraw from the contract — include your name, contract details, and the date.

Keep proof of sending (e.g., email timestamp or certified mail receipt).

If the trader supplied goods, you generally must return them within 14 days of cancellation — but only if they offered to collect them or gave clear return instructions.

If the trader refuses to accept cancellation or demands payment, contact your national consumer authority (e.g., ECC-Net) for free help.

Sources

statuteDirective 2011/83/EU, Art. 2(9) — Definition of off-premises contract statuteDirective 2011/83/EU, Art. 9(1) — Right of withdrawal statuteDirective 2011/83/EU, Art. 10(3) — Extended withdrawal period for missing information

Same Question, Other Jurisdictions

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.