Your Rights as an EU Online Shopper: The Complete Guide
Know your rights when shopping online in Europe. From the 14-day return policy to GDPR data protection — here's everything EU law guarantees you.
EU Consumer Protection is Strong
The European Union has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the world. When you buy online from a shop based in the EU, you have a comprehensive set of rights that the shop must respect.
14-Day Right of Withdrawal
Under EU Directive 2011/83/EU, you have the right to cancel any online purchase within 14 calendar days without giving any reason. This applies to all EU member states. The shop must refund you within 14 days of receiving the returned goods.
Exceptions
Some products are excluded: personalized items, sealed hygiene products, perishable goods, and digital content once downloading has begun.
Price Transparency
Shops must display the total price including all taxes and fees before you complete your purchase. No hidden costs are allowed.
Delivery
The shop must deliver your order within the agreed timeframe, or within 30 days if no delivery date was specified. If they fail, you can request a refund.
2-Year Warranty
All goods sold in the EU come with a minimum 2-year warranty (guarantee of conformity). If a product is faulty, the seller must repair, replace, or refund it.
GDPR Data Protection
Under GDPR, every shop must tell you what personal data they collect, why, and for how long. You have the right to access, correct, and delete your data.
Dispute Resolution
The EU provides an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform where you can file complaints against shops in any EU country.
How CheckShop.eu Helps
CheckShop.eu verifies whether shops comply with all these requirements. Our AI checks privacy policies, return policies, contact information, and legal compliance. Use our free tool to check any shop before you buy.