Online Right of Withdrawal: What Changes on 19 June 2026

Consumers have a discretionary right of withdrawal allowing them to cancel a distance contract within 14 days, without having to provide any reason.

A New Mandatory Technical Requirement:

The French Order of 5 January 2026 requires all businesses to implement a specific online functionality enabling consumers to exercise their right of withdrawal directly online. This obligation applies to all consumer contracts concluded at a distance through an online interface.

• Enhanced Accessibility and Visibility: The withdrawal button must be easily accessible on the interface and clearly labelled, for example, “Withdraw here”, providing access to the withdrawal form. It must remain available throughout the statutory withdrawal period.
• Simplified Confirmation Process: Consumers must be able to confirm their decision using a final button labelled “Confirm withdrawal”, or equivalent wording, after providing only the information necessary to confirm their identity and identify the relevant contract.
• Immediate Acknowledgement of Receipt: Businesses must immediately send an acknowledgement of receipt on a durable medium, such as by email or on paper. The acknowledgement must specify the content, date and time of the request in order to ensure traceability.
• Mandatory Pre-Contractual Information: Businesses must update their General Terms and Conditions of Sale to inform consumers, before the distance contract is concluded, of the existence and location of this new functionality.

Financial Penalties

Failure to comply may result in administrative fines of up to €75,000 for legal entities and €15,000 for individuals.

Compliance Deadline

Businesses concerned have until 19 June 2026 to audit their online interfaces and implement the necessary technical and legal changes. Failure to do so may result in financial penalties.

Following the introduction in 2023 of the requirement to offer consumers a “three-click” cancellation option, the French legislature is therefore imposing further obligations on businesses aimed at facilitating the termination of contracts entered into by consumers.

Expert Insight

All businesses are concerned, regardless of their sector or size.

If consumers can enter into a contract online, they must also be able to exercise their right of withdrawal online.

FIRSH assists businesses in achieving compliance before the 19 June deadline, including by updating their General Terms and Conditions of Sale and revising their pre-contractual information.