Right of Withdrawal (Online & Distance Sales) 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?
When you buy online, by phone, or through door-to-door sales, you have a cooling-off period:
- 14-day right of withdrawal (fortrydelsesret): You can cancel the purchase for any reason within 14 days of receiving the goods (or from the date of a service contract).
- No penalty: The seller must refund the full purchase price including standard delivery costs — within 14 days of receiving notice of cancellation.
- Return shipping: You pay for return shipping unless the seller has agreed to cover it.
- Exceptions: Sealed goods (hygiene/health), custom-made products, perishable goods, digital content (if download/streaming has started with your consent), and sealed audio/video/software after opening.
- Extended deadline: If the seller did not inform you of the right of withdrawal, the period is extended to 12 months + 14 days.
When does it apply?
- You bought goods or services online, by phone, by email, or from a door-to-door salesperson.
- You are a consumer (not a business buyer).
What to Do If You Want to Cancel an Online Purchase Within 14 Days in Denmark
- Notify the seller in writing (email is fine) that you are exercising your right of withdrawal — before the 14-day deadline.
- Use the seller's standard withdrawal form if one was provided (they are required to provide one).
- Return the goods within 14 days of sending the cancellation notice.
- Keep the goods in original condition as much as possible — you may inspect them as you would in a shop, but not use them extensively.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't use the product extensively before returning it — you may be charged for the decrease in value.
- Don't assume in-store purchases have a withdrawal right — the 14-day rule only applies to distance and off-premises sales.
- Don't miss the deadline — the 14 days starts from the date you received the goods.
Common Questions
How long is the cooling-off period for online purchases in Denmark?
Under Forbrugeraftaleloven, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal (fortrydelsesret) for goods or services bought online, by phone, by email, or from a door-to-door salesperson. You can cancel for any reason. The 14 days start from the date you received the goods, or from the date of the service contract.
How do I exercise my 14-day right of withdrawal in Denmark?
Notify the seller in writing — email is fine — before the 14-day deadline. Use the seller's standard withdrawal form if one was provided. Then return the goods within 14 days of sending the cancellation notice, keeping them in original condition. You pay return shipping unless the seller agreed to cover it.
What if the seller did not tell me about my right of withdrawal?
If the seller failed to inform you of the right of withdrawal, the period is extended to 12 months and 14 days. The seller must refund the full purchase price, including standard delivery costs, within 14 days of receiving your cancellation notice. Sealed hygiene items, custom-made products, and started digital downloads are exceptions.
When does it apply — right of withdrawal (online & distance sales)?
You bought goods or services online, by phone, by email, or from a door-to-door salesperson.You are a consumer (not a business buyer).
What should I do if I want to return something I bought online and the seller is refusing to accept the return in Denmark?
Notify the seller in writing (email is fine) that you are exercising your right of withdrawal — before the 14-day deadline.Use the seller's standard withdrawal form if one was provided (they are required to provide one).Return the goods within 14 days of sending the cancellation notice.Keep the goods in original condition as much as possible — you may inspect them as you would in a shop, but not use them extensively.
What should you NOT do — right of withdrawal (online & distance sales)?
Don't use the product extensively before returning it — you may be charged for the decrease in value.Don't assume in-store purchases have a withdrawal right — the 14-day rule only applies to distance and off-premises sales.Don't miss the deadline — the 14 days starts from the date you received the goods.