The "Widerrufsbutton" (cancellation button) is a new legal requirement for businesses that sell online to consumers in Germany. This feature allows consumers to easily cancel contracts concluded online. The goal of the EU legislation is to make canceling a contract just as easy as concluding it. The requirement stems from EU Directive 2023/2673 and takes effect on June 19, 2026. The cancellation feature must be available throughout the entire cancellation period. For consumers in Germany, a statutory cancellation period of 14 days (Widerrufsfrist) applies in most cases.

Non-compliance may result in fines, warnings (Abmahnungen), and claims under competition law. In addition, consumer organizations and regulators may take enforcement action. According to the current draft legislation, fines of up to 4% of annual turnover may be imposed on companies with an annual turnover exceeding €1.25 million. For smaller companies, a maximum fine of €50,000 applies.

To whom does this apply?

The regulation applies to distance contracts for goods, services, financial services, and digital content concluded via an online user interface, such as a website, online store, or app. The obligation applies only when the consumer has a statutory right of withdrawal.

Exceptions include:

perishable goods;
custom products;
sealed software, audio, or video media that have been opened;
opened, sealed hygiene products;
leisure activities with a fixed date, such as concert tickets or airline tickets.

B2B agreements are also excluded from this regulation.

How do you implement the cancellation button?

The cancellation option must be clearly visible, easy to read, and easily accessible. For example, the button or link must contain the text “Vertrag widerrufen” or a similarly unambiguous alternative. A physical button is not required; a clearly visible link is also permitted. The cancellation function must not be hidden behind a login or among other links. The cancellation function must be immediately visible and easily accessible.

The law prescribes a two-step process:

The consumer clicks on “Cancel Contract.”
The consumer fills out a cancellation form and confirms the cancellation by clicking a second button labeled “Widerruf bestätigen.”

Once the notice of withdrawal has been sent, the consumer must immediately receive confirmation of receipt, for example by email.

What information can you ask for on the cancellation form?

Only the following information may be required:

consumer's name;
order number;
an email address or another method of communication for the confirmation of receipt.

A reason for the revocation may not be required.

How does Dexport help?

Your online store must comply with specific German regulations, including Terms and Conditions, “Datenschutz,” and “Impressum,” as well as a legally compliant German checkout process. Our Checklist helps you tailor your online store to the German market. In addition, we provide essential legal documentation and a hosting service that keeps everything up to date—essential for both your own site and for selling on German marketplaces—so you can enter the German market with confidence and success. This also includes the latest information on the right of withdrawal and the “Widerrufsbutton.”

Through Dexport, you can request all the necessary and legally compliant documents for your online store.