Do you shop online with a single click?

From 1 January 2027, online shop operators and other businesses will also have to allow consumers to withdraw from contracts just as easily through their online interface.

The new requirement is introduced by Act No. 159/2026 Coll., which amends, among other legislation, the Civil Code and introduces a new Section 1830a. It transposes Directive (EU) 2023/2673.

Who does the new requirement apply to?

The change is not limited to financial services, although it stems from EU rules on financial services contracts concluded at a distance.

The new Section 1830a generally applies where a consumer concludes a distance contract through an online interface and has the right to withdraw from it. In practice, it will therefore affect ordinary online shops selling goods to consumers in particular, as well as certain providers of digital content, online services or financial services.

What will online shops need to change?

Businesses will have to add a button or similar control to their online interface that allows consumers to initiate withdrawal from a contract.

Simply placing a link to a form somewhere on the website will not be enough. The button must:

• be prominently displayed and easily accessible;
• remain continuously available throughout the period in which the consumer may withdraw from the contract; and
• carry an easily legible label stating “Withdraw from the contract” or another equally clear and unambiguous formulation.

One click will not be enough

The legislation provides for a two-step process, which is also intended to prevent consumers from withdrawing from contracts by mistake.

After using the first button, consumers must be able to easily enter or confirm their name, details identifying the contract and an electronic contact address to which confirmation will be sent.

Only then will consumers submit their final decision using a second button labelled “Confirm withdrawal from the contract” or another equally unambiguous formulation.

The obligations do not end there

After the withdrawal is submitted, the business must electronically confirm receipt to the consumer without undue delay. The confirmation must include both the content of the withdrawal and the date and time it was submitted.

The information requirements for online shops are also changing. Before concluding a contract, consumers must also be informed that they can withdraw using this button and where to find it in the online interface.

When do the new rules take effect?

The EU Directive originally required Member States to apply the new rules from 19 June 2026. However, the Czech implementing legislation was adopted later.

Act No. 159/2026 Coll. was promulgated on 2 September 2026 and takes effect on 1 January 2027. Czech online shops must therefore have the new solution ready by that date at the latest.

What does this mean for online shop operators?

Simply adding a new button to the website will not be enough. Before 1 January 2027, operators should in particular review the technical implementation of the withdrawal process, the automatic sending of confirmations and the correct display of the button throughout the withdrawal period. We also recommend reviewing the terms and conditions and the information provided to consumers, and reflecting the new process in the arrangements for processing personal data.

This article was prepared for you by JUDr. Ing. Eva Radová.