Defective Goods (Reklamationsret) in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
If you buy something that turns out to be defective, Danish law gives you strong protections:
- 2-year complaint right (reklamationsret): You can complain about defects that were present at the time of purchase for up to 2 years after delivery.
- Presumption of defect: Within the first 12 months (extended from 6 months in 2022 per EU directive), the defect is presumed to have existed at delivery — the seller must prove otherwise.
- Remedies: You are entitled to repair, replacement, a price reduction, or a refund — depending on the severity of the defect.
- Seller's choice first: The seller can choose between repair and replacement, provided it does not cause you significant inconvenience.
- No exclusion: The seller cannot limit or exclude the 2-year complaint right in consumer sales.
When does it apply?
- You are a consumer (private person) who bought goods from a business.
- The goods have a defect that existed at the time of purchase — not caused by your own misuse.
- The defect appeared within 2 years of delivery.
What to Do If a Product You Bought Is Defective in Denmark
- Contact the seller promptly — you must complain within a reasonable time after discovering the defect (generally within 2 months).
- Describe the defect clearly and state your preferred remedy (repair, replacement, or refund).
- Keep your receipt or proof of purchase — a bank statement or email confirmation also works.
- If the seller refuses, file a complaint with Forbrugerklagenævnet (Consumer Complaints Board) or the relevant trade-specific complaint board.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept being told to go to the manufacturer — your complaint right is against the seller, not the manufacturer.
- Don't assume a warranty replacement means you lose your 2-year right — if the replacement is also defective, you can complain again.
- Don't discard defective products before the complaint is resolved — the seller may need to inspect them.
Common Questions
How long do I have to complain about a defective product in Denmark?
You have a 2-year complaint right (reklamationsret) from the date of delivery under Købeloven. Within the first 12 months, the defect is presumed to have existed at the time of purchase, so the seller must prove otherwise. The seller cannot limit or exclude this right in consumer sales.
What remedies can I demand for a defective product in Denmark?
You are entitled to repair, replacement, a price reduction, or a refund, depending on how serious the defect is. The seller can usually choose between repair and replacement first, as long as it does not cause you significant inconvenience. You must complain within a reasonable time after discovering the defect, generally within 2 months.
What if the seller tells me to contact the manufacturer instead?
Your complaint right under Danish law is against the seller, not the manufacturer. If the seller refuses to help, file a complaint with Forbrugerklagenævnet (the Consumer Complaints Board) or the relevant trade-specific board. Keep your receipt or proof of purchase; a bank statement or email confirmation also counts.
When does it apply — defective goods (reklamationsret)?
You are a consumer (private person) who bought goods from a business.The goods have a defect that existed at the time of purchase — not caused by your own misuse.The defect appeared within 2 years of delivery.
What should I do if a product I bought in Denmark has a defect and the seller is refusing to help?
Contact the seller promptly — you must complain within a reasonable time after discovering the defect (generally within 2 months).Describe the defect clearly and state your preferred remedy (repair, replacement, or refund).Keep your receipt or proof of purchase — a bank statement or email confirmation also works.If the seller refuses, file a complaint with Forbrugerklagenævnet (Consumer Complaints Board) or the relevant trade-specific complaint board.
What should you NOT do — defective goods (reklamationsret)?
Don't accept being told to go to the manufacturer — your complaint right is against the seller, not the manufacturer.Don't assume a warranty replacement means you lose your 2-year right — if the replacement is also defective, you can complain again.Don't discard defective products before the complaint is resolved — the seller may need to inspect them.