Right of Withdrawal 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?
When you buy online, by telephone or at the door, you have a cooling-off period:
- 14-day right of withdrawal: You can cancel the purchase without any reason within 14 days of receiving the goods (or from the date of a service contract).
- No cost: The seller must refund the full purchase price including standard delivery costs — within 14 days of receiving your notice of withdrawal.
- Return shipping: You pay return postage unless the seller has agreed to cover it.
- Exceptions: Sealed goods (hygiene/health), custom-made products, perishable goods, digital content (if download/streaming has begun with your consent) and sealed audio/video/software items once opened.
- Extended deadline: If the seller has not informed you of the right of withdrawal, the deadline is extended to 12 months + 14 days.
When does it apply?
- You bought goods or services online, by telephone, by email or at the door.
- 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 the right of withdrawal — before the 14-day deadline expires.
- Use the seller's standard withdrawal form if one has been provided (the seller is obliged to make one available).
- Return the item within 14 days of sending the notice of withdrawal.
- Keep the item in original condition as far as possible — you may examine it as you would in a shop, but not use it to any significant extent.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't use the product to any significant extent before returning it — you may be charged for the loss of value.
- Don't assume in-store purchases carry a right of withdrawal — the 14-day rule applies only to distance and doorstep sales.
- Don't miss the deadline — the 14 days run from the date you received the goods.
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 is the right of withdrawal for online purchases in Denmark?
Under Forbrugeraftaleloven you have a 14-day right of withdrawal for goods or services bought online, by telephone, by email or at the door. You can withdraw without giving a reason. The 14 days run 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 expires. Use the seller's standard withdrawal form if one has been provided. Then return the item within 14 days of sending the notice of withdrawal, and keep it in original condition. You pay return postage unless the seller has agreed to cover it.
What happens if the seller did not inform me of my right of withdrawal?
If the seller has not informed you of the right of withdrawal, the deadline 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 notice of withdrawal. Sealed hygiene goods, custom-made products and digital downloads already begun are exceptions.
What is the right of withdrawal (online & distance sales) right in Denmark?
When you buy online, by telephone or at the door, you have a cooling-off period:14-day right of withdrawal: You can cancel the purchase without any reason within 14 days of receiving the goods (or from the date of a service contract).No cost: The seller must refund the full purchase price including standard delivery costs — within 14 days of receiving your notice of withdrawal.Return shipping: You pay return postage unless the seller has agreed to cover it.Exceptions: Sealed goods (hygiene/health), custom-made products, perishable goods, digital content (if download/streaming has begun with...
When does it apply — right of withdrawal (online & distance sales)?
You bought goods or services online, by telephone, by email or at the door.You are a consumer (not a business buyer).
What should I do if I want to return something I bought online and the seller refuses to accept the return in Denmark?
Notify the seller in writing (email is fine) that you are exercising the right of withdrawal — before the 14-day deadline expires.Use the seller's standard withdrawal form if one has been provided (the seller is obliged to make one available).Return the item within 14 days of sending the notice of withdrawal.Keep the item in original condition as far as possible — you may examine it as you would in a shop, but not use it to any significant extent.
What should you NOT do — right of withdrawal (online & distance sales)?
Don't use the product to any significant extent before returning it — you may be charged for the loss of value.Don't assume in-store purchases carry a right of withdrawal — the 14-day rule applies only to distance and doorstep sales.Don't miss the deadline — the 14 days run from the date you received the goods.