Right of Withdrawal for Distance Sales for Utrecht Residents

Right of Withdrawal for Distance Sales in Utrecht

As a resident of Utrecht, you can exercise the right of withdrawal for distance sales. This gives you 14 days from receipt of a product or the start of a service to cancel the purchase without giving a reason. Ideal for online orders from sites like Bol.com or local Utrecht webshops. This article explains the rules, with tips for Utrecht residents and references to local support such as Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht.

What is a distance sale?

A distance sale involves entering into an agreement without face-to-face contact, such as via the internet, telephone, or catalog. The law (Article 6:230j of the Dutch Civil Code) defines this as the use of means of distance communication until the contract is concluded. Unlike shopping in a physical store in Utrecht's city center, where you can inspect the product immediately, this right protects against buyer's remorse.

Legal basis

The rules are set out in Book 6 of the Dutch Civil Code (Articles 6:230m to 6:230p), based on the EU Directive 2011/83/EU, which has been in force in the Netherlands since 13 June 2014. Key articles:

• Art. 6:230m Dutch Civil Code: Withdrawal within the cooling-off period.
• Art. 6:230o Dutch Civil Code: 14 days from the day after receipt.
• Art. 6:230p Dutch Civil Code: Exceptions.

The seller must provide you with a model withdrawal form. If not, the cooling-off period extends to 12 months plus 14 days. For disputes in Utrecht, contact the District Court of Utrecht.

How long is the cooling-off period?

Normally 14 days, starting from delivery of the product or start of the service. If it expires on a weekend or public holiday, it runs until the next working day. For multiple items: after the last delivery. Digital content: from download.

Exceptions

Some products/services are excluded (Art. 6:230p Dutch Civil Code). Overview:

Always check the seller's terms and conditions.

Withdrawal in practice

Notify the seller unambiguously of withdrawal within 14 days (email, form). Steps:

1. Contact the seller in time.
2. Use the model form.
3. Return within 14 days of notification, in original condition; you often pay return shipping costs.
4. Seller refunds everything within 14 days (including original shipping).

Example: Online dress €50 (+€5 shipping) from a Utrecht shop. Doesn't fit? Withdraw after 10 days: €55 refunded.

Your rights and obligations

Consumer rights

• Cancel freely.
• Full refund.
• Extended period for missing information.

Your obligations

• Return in good condition (deduction for wear).
• Return shipping costs (sometimes free label).

Seller obligations

• Provide information.
• Quick refund.
• Facilitate returns.

Examples from Utrecht practice

1: Washing machine ordered online. Too noisy? Withdraw: pick up and refund.

2: App downloaded: no withdrawal.

3: Vacation home with cancellation terms: possibly withdrawable.

Many Utrecht consumers trip up on return shipping costs.

Tips for Utrecht residents

• Read terms before purchase.
• Keep proof of purchase.
• Film unboxing for valuable items.
• Use the model withdrawal form for clarity.
• Free advice? Visit Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht or the Municipality of Utrecht.