Right of Withdrawal (Distance Sales) in Iceland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official 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 something online or through a distance sale, you have the right to change your mind:
- 14-day cooling-off period: You can withdraw from a distance or door-to-door purchase within 14 calendar days, no reason required.
- Refund deadline: The seller must refund all payments within 14 days.
- Condition: The product must be returned undamaged.
- Minimum value: Does not apply to contracts worth less than ISK 4,000.
Exceptions: Services already begun with consumer consent, sealed software/recordings if seal broken, custom-made goods, perishable goods, event tickets, hotel bookings, and car rental reservations for specific dates.
When does it apply?
- You purchased goods or services online, by phone, or from a door-to-door salesperson.
- The purchase value is at least ISK 4,000.
What to Do If You Want to Return an Online Purchase in Iceland
- Notify the seller in writing within 14 days that you wish to withdraw.
- Return the product in its original condition.
- If the seller does not refund within 14 days, contact Neytendastofa (Consumer Agency).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume all purchases qualify — in-store purchases do not have an automatic withdrawal right.
- Don't open sealed software or recordings if you might want to return them.
- Don't miss the 14-day window — the right expires after that.
Common Questions
Can I return an online purchase in Iceland?
Yes. You have a 14-day cooling-off period to withdraw from a distance or door-to-door purchase — no reason required. The seller must refund all payments within 14 days. The product must be returned undamaged. The right does not apply to contracts worth less than ISK 4,000, or to in-store purchases, which do not have an automatic withdrawal right.
What can't be returned under Iceland's 14-day rule?
Services already begun with your consent, sealed software or recordings if the seal is broken, custom-made goods, perishable goods, event tickets, hotel bookings, and car rental reservations for specific dates. Don't open sealed software or recordings if you might want to return them. In-store purchases also have no automatic withdrawal right.
How do I cancel a distance sale in Iceland?
Notify the seller in writing within 14 calendar days that you wish to withdraw. Return the product in its original condition. If the seller does not refund within 14 days, contact Neytendastofa (Consumer Agency). The right is under the Act on Consumer Rights (Lög nr. 16/2016).
When does it apply — right of withdrawal (distance sales)?
You purchased goods or services online, by phone, or from a door-to-door salesperson.The purchase value is at least ISK 4,000.
What should I do if I want to cancel an online order or return something I bought remotely in Iceland?
Notify the seller in writing within 14 days that you wish to withdraw.Return the product in its original condition.If the seller does not refund within 14 days, contact Neytendastofa (Consumer Agency).
What should you NOT do — right of withdrawal (distance sales)?
Don't assume all purchases qualify — in-store purchases do not have an automatic withdrawal right.Don't open sealed software or recordings if you might want to return them.Don't miss the 14-day window — the right expires after that.