European UnionThe online seller didn't tell me about my right to withdraw before purchase. Does this extend my cancellation period?
Yes — if the online seller failed to inform you about your right to withdraw, the 14-day cancellation period is extended to 12 months and 14 days from the day you received the goods or services.
What the Law Says
Under EU consumer protection law, traders must provide clear, pre-contractual information about the right to withdraw before a consumer places an order. Failure to do so triggers a longer withdrawal period.
The Consumer Rights Directive 2011/83/EU sets harmonised rules for distance contracts (e.g., online purchases) across all EU Member States. It requires traders to provide specific information before the consumer is bound by the contract — including the existence and conditions of the right to withdraw.
If this information is omitted or provided incorrectly, the withdrawal period does not begin until the consumer receives the required information — but in any case, it cannot exceed 12 months and 14 days from the day after delivery of the goods or performance of the service.
This ensures consumers are not unfairly deprived of their rights due to a trader’s failure to comply with transparency obligations.
Statutory TextWhere the trader has not supplied the consumer with the information on the right of withdrawal… the withdrawal period shall expire 12 months and 14 days after the day on which the consumer acquired possession of the goods or, in the case of a supply of services, after the day on which the contract was concluded.
— Directive 2011/83/EU, Art. 14(2) — Withdrawal period
Statutory TextThe trader shall provide the consumer with the following information… in a clear and comprehensible manner… (k) the existence and conditions of the right of withdrawal.
— Directive 2011/83/EU, Art. 6(1)(k) — Pre-contractual information
What to Do
Check your order confirmation or emails: did the seller clearly state your right to withdraw *before* you completed the purchase?
If no such information was provided (or it was unclear, buried, or given only after payment), your withdrawal period is extended to 12 months and 14 days from receipt of goods or service completion.
Notify the seller in writing (email counts) of your decision to withdraw — no reason needed.
Keep proof of your withdrawal notice and return shipping (if applicable).
You’re entitled to a full refund within 14 days of the seller receiving your withdrawal notice or returned goods — whichever is earlier.
Sources
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.