Withdrawal button 2026: Mandatory for online stores – what retailers need to know now

From June 19, 2026, many online retailers in the EU will have to provide an electronic withdrawal function – often referred to as the “withdrawal button”. The aim is to make it just as easy for consumers to cancel a purchase online.

What is the withdrawal button in online stores?

The “revocation button” is the planned legal obligation to offer a revocation function that can be used online – directly where the contract was concluded online (website/app/interface). The customer should therefore no longer have to laboriously set up their withdrawal by email or search for a form, but should be able to trigger it digitally in a standardized way.

The term “button” is colloquial. In legal terms, it refers to a revocation function – in practice, this will usually be a clearly visible button or an equally clearly highlighted link.

When is the revocation button mandatory?

According to EU requirements, the national rules must be applied from June 19, 2026. This date for the application/start of the new revocation function is also taken up in the German legislative process. (Details may still change in the final legislative text – however, the basic requirements and the start date are clearly set out).

Who is affected by the revocation button?

Online retailers who conclude distance contracts with consumers (B2C) are affected if the contract is concluded via an online user interface (classic: online store, mobile store view, app, embedded checkout, platform interface).

Pure B2B stores, where end consumers are excluded, are not affected. Also important: The obligation is linked to the existence of a right of withdrawal. If there is no right of withdrawal for certain products/services (e.g. personalized goods, perishable goods, unsealed hygiene articles), then no withdrawal “by button” can be exercised – the correct legal classification is decisive here.

What requirements apply to the revocation function?

The planned requirements are very specific – and are deliberately reminiscent of the logic of familiar “button solutions”.

1. Clear labeling: “Revoke contract”
   The revocation function must be clearly labeled with “Revoke contract” or an equally clear formulation.
   
   
2. Visible & easily accessible – and available during the withdrawal period
   It must be permanently available, highlighted and easily accessible on the online user interface during the withdrawal period.
   In practice, this means: “linked somewhere in the footer” or “only after five clicks in the customer account” does not comply with the new regulation.
   
   
3. Two-step logic: first intention to revoke, then confirmation
   The exercise is designed as a two-step process:
   ⦁ Click on the first button (e.g. “Revoke contract”), which does not yet trigger the revocation directly.
   ⦁ The user is redirected to a new page with a revocation form. Here, the withdrawal must be finally confirmed by clicking on another button. The requirements regarding labeling and visibility also apply to this button.
   
   
4. What information must the customer be able to provide?
   The revocation function should enable the consumer to provide or confirm in particular
   ⦁ his name,
   ⦁ an identification of the contract (or the specific part of the contract that is being revoked),
   ⦁ and an electronic means of communication (e.g. email) for the confirmation of receipt.
   
   Anyone who is already logged in should be able to submit the revocation without re-identification if the information is already available.
   
   
5. Confirmation of receipt “immediately” on a durable data medium
   After sending (confirmation function), the trader must immediately send the consumer a confirmation of receipt on a durable data medium (e.g. email) – including
   ⦁ Content of the declaration of withdrawal
   ⦁ Date and time of receipt
   

What is changing besides the technology?

The withdrawal button is not just “a feature”, but also affects your information obligations. You must provide information about the existence and placement of the withdrawal button in the withdrawal policy from the effective date.

The privacy notice must also be adapted. This must include which data is collected, processed and stored as part of the revocation (observe GDPR).

What should online retailers do now?

Even if you can’t yet activate the button “click-ready” in every system: Most of the construction sites are preparatory work.

1. Check: Which of your sales are affected?
   – Do you sell to consumers (B2C)?
   – Do you conclude contracts via an online user interface?
   – Which product ranges/services have a right of withdrawal – and which do not?
   
   
2. Clarify processes (customer service & fulfillment)
   – What happens internally when a revocation is received?
   – Which teams need to be informed?
   – How will you differentiate between revocations and returns/exchanges in the future?
   
   
3. Prepare data/technology
   – Can you clearly identify orders (order ID, customer number, contract/item reference)?
   
   
4. Plan legal texts & presentation
   – Cancellation policy probably needs to be supplemented with a reference to the online function.
   – Also check how you place the function visibly and easily accessible (UX/template/theme).
   
   
5. Set timetable
   – Set internal deadline (including test phase)
   – Define responsibilities
   
   

Frequently asked questions about the 2026 revocation button (FAQ)

Note: This article does not constitute legal advice and does not replace an individual examination by a law firm.