New Legal Requirements for Online Stores in 2026 – Clarifying the Right of Withdrawal
The legal obligations for online retailers will change in the summer of 2026. If you sell products or services online, you must update your online store by June 19, 2026, to comply with the new Consumer Protection Law. The change specifically concerns the right of withdrawal in online stores and how customers are informed of their rights.
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What changes will the E-Commerce Act bring in 2026?
The amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, which took effect at the beginning of 2026, are based on the revision of the EU Consumer Rights Directive. The aim is to ensure that canceling a contract is just as easy as entering into one.
In practice, this means that an online store must have a clear and easy-to-use cancellation feature that allows customers to cancel their orders within the statutory 14-day period.
An email address alone is no longer sufficient. Under the new law, online retailers must provide customers with an active cancellation feature, such as a button in the customer account, a function in the order history, etc.. The cancellation feature must therefore be easy to find, accessible, and clearly labeled.
Old cancellation methods are still permitted
Although the new cancellation feature is mandatory, it does not replace the previous cancellation methods. Customers can still:
- send a cancellation via email
- use the cancellation form
The key is that all options are clearly communicated and the cancellation process is seamless.
What information must be provided to the customer before placing an order?
According to the Consumer Ombudsman and the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA), online retailers must provide customers with clear and understandable information before they make a purchase decision:
- the existence of a right of withdrawal
- the length of the withdrawal period
- the practical procedure for exercising the right of withdrawal
- the impact of a return on payments and shipping costs
This information must not be hidden in obscure terms of use. The online retailer must also be able to demonstrate afterward that the information was provided at the right time and was easily accessible.
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Here's how to avoid risks and improve the customer experience
New changes to e-commerce laws strengthen consumer rights, but at the same time they require online retailers to improve usability and transparency. When implemented correctly, these changes can enhance the customer experience and build trust!
Now is the perfect time to check whether your online store meets the 2026 requirements!
A checklist for you
- Cancellation Policy for the online store
- Clear cancellation policies before purchasing
- Easy-to-find instructions for cancellation
- Evidence of compliance with the disclosure requirement
- Ready by June 19, 2026
