Swedish online shops must now make cancelling as easy as buying
Since 19 June, eligible online purchases must include a clear cancellation function and an automatic receipt.
Online shops in Sweden must now let consumers withdraw from an eligible purchase through the same website or app used to place it. The change took effect on 19 June.
Under the revised distance-contract law, businesses must provide a clearly placed cancellation function. After a consumer uses it, the shop must send an automatic receipt. That receipt confirms the request was sent; it does not mean the shop has approved the withdrawal.
The Consumer Agency says the requirement applies when a contract was concluded through an online interface. It does not apply to telephone sales. It also does not create a cancellation right for purchases already excluded from the statutory withdrawal rules, such as certain hygiene goods or tickets for events on a specific date.
If an eligible shop does not provide a compliant function, the withdrawal period may be extended. Consumers can report a missing or unclear cancellation control to Konsumentverket.
This is a small design rule with a large practical point. Online buying has long been built around frictionless checkout. Swedish law now requires the exit to be visible too.
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