Defective Goods in Denmark (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
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 right to claim (reklamationsret): You can complain about defects that were present at the time of purchase for up to 2 years after delivery.
- Presumption rule: Within the first 12 months (extended from 6 months in 2022 following an EU directive) the defect is presumed to have been present at delivery — the seller must prove otherwise.
- Remedies: You are entitled to repair, replacement, a proportionate price reduction or cancellation — depending on the seriousness of the defect.
- Seller's choice first: The seller may choose between repair and replacement, provided this does not cause you significant inconvenience.
- Cannot be waived: The seller cannot limit or exclude the 2-year right to claim in consumer purchases.
When does it apply?
- You are a consumer (private individual) who has bought goods from a trader.
- The item has a defect that was present at the time of purchase — not caused by your own misuse.
- The defect has appeared within 2 years of delivery.
What to do if something you bought in Denmark is defective
- 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 cancellation).
- Keep your receipt or other proof of purchase — a bank statement or email confirmation is also valid.
- If the seller refuses, file a complaint with Forbrugerklagenævnet or the relevant sector complaint board.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept being referred to the manufacturer — your right to claim is directed at the seller, not the manufacturer.
- Don't assume that a replacement under warranty means you lose your 2-year right — if the replacement item is also defective, you can complain again.
- Don't discard defective products before the complaint is concluded — the seller may need to examine them.
About Consumer Rights in Denmark
If something you bought is defective, Købeloven (the Sale of Goods Act) gives you 2 years to demand repair, replacement, a proportionate price reduction or cancellation — and defects that appear within the first year are presumed to have been present at delivery. For online and distance purchases, Forbrugeraftaleloven (the Consumer Contracts Act) gives you a 14-day right of withdrawal. Misleading advertising and unfair contract terms are prohibited under Markedsføringsloven (the Marketing Practices Act), enforced by Forbrugerombudsmanden (the Consumer Ombudsman). Unresolved disputes can be brought before Forbrugerklagenævnet (the Consumer Complaints Board).
Common Questions
How long do I have to complain about a defective product in Denmark?
You have a 2-year right to claim from the date of delivery under Købeloven. Within the first 12 months the defect is presumed to have been present at the time of purchase, so the seller must prove otherwise. The seller cannot limit or exclude this right in consumer purchases.
What remedies can I demand for a defective product in Denmark?
You are entitled to repair, replacement, a proportionate price reduction or cancellation, depending on how serious the defect is. As a starting point the seller may choose between repair and replacement, as long as this does not cause you significant inconvenience. You must complain within a reasonable time after discovering the defect, generally within 2 months.
What do I do if the seller tells me to contact the manufacturer instead?
Your right to claim under Danish law is directed at the seller, not the manufacturer. If the seller refuses to help, file a complaint with Forbrugerklagenævnet or the relevant sector complaint board. Keep your receipt or proof of purchase; a bank statement or email confirmation also counts.
What is the defective goods (reklamationsret) right in Denmark?
If you buy something that turns out to be defective, Danish law gives you strong protections:2-year right to claim (reklamationsret): You can complain about defects that were present at the time of purchase for up to 2 years after delivery.Presumption rule: Within the first 12 months (extended from 6 months in 2022 following an EU directive) the defect is presumed to have been present at delivery — the seller must prove otherwise.Remedies: You are entitled to repair, replacement, a proportionate price reduction or cancellation — depending on the seriousness of the defect.Seller's choice...
When does it apply — defective goods (reklamationsret)?
You are a consumer (private individual) who has bought goods from a trader.The item has a defect that was present at the time of purchase — not caused by your own misuse.The defect has appeared within 2 years of delivery.
What should I do if something I bought in Denmark has a defect and the seller refuses 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 cancellation).Keep your receipt or other proof of purchase — a bank statement or email confirmation is also valid.If the seller refuses, file a complaint with Forbrugerklagenævnet or the relevant sector complaint board.
What should you NOT do — defective goods (reklamationsret)?
Don't accept being referred to the manufacturer — your right to claim is directed at the seller, not the manufacturer.Don't assume that a replacement under warranty means you lose your 2-year right — if the replacement item is also defective, you can complain again.Don't discard defective products before the complaint is concluded — the seller may need to examine them.