Right of Withdrawal for Distance Sales for Amsterdammers

Right of Withdrawal for Distance Sales in Amsterdam

As a resident of Amsterdam, you can exercise the right of withdrawal for distance sales. This allows you 14 days after receiving a product or the start of a service to cancel the purchase for any reason. Ideal for online shoppers in the capital via sites like Bol.com or local webshops. This article explains the rules, including tips for Amsterdammers, with references to the District Court of Amsterdam and Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.

What is a distance sale?

A distance sale occurs without physical contact between buyer and seller, such as orders placed via the internet, telephone, or mail order. The law defines this in Article 6:230j of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC) as transactions using means of distance communication until the contract is concluded. Unlike shopping on the Kalverstraat or at an Amsterdam market, where you can inspect products directly, this right provides protection because you cannot check them in advance.

Legal basis

The rules are set out in Book 6 DCC, Articles 6:230m to 6:230p, based on the EU Directive 2011/83/EU and in force in the Netherlands since 13 June 2014. For disputes in Amsterdam, you can go to the District Court of Amsterdam.

• Art. 6:230m DCC: Withdrawal within the cooling-off period.
• Art. 6:230o DCC: Cooling-off period of 14 days from receipt.
• Art. 6:230p DCC: Exceptions.

The seller must provide you with a model withdrawal form. Missing this information? The cooling-off period then extends to 12 months and 14 days. Get free advice from the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.

How long is the cooling-off period?

Normally 14 days, starting the day after delivery of goods or commencement of services. Does it expire on a weekend or public holiday like King's Day? Then until the next working day as per the Municipality of Amsterdam. For multiple items: after the last one. Digital content: from download.

Exceptions

Some purchases are excluded; see Article 6:230p DCC:

Always check the terms and conditions.

Exercising the withdrawal

Simple: notify clearly within 14 days (email, letter). Steps for Amsterdammers:

1. Contact the seller in time.
2. Use the model form from the website.
3. Return within 14 days of withdrawal, in original condition; you bear return costs (unless free label provided).
4. Seller refunds everything within 14 days, including outbound shipping.

Example: Bought a raincoat online for €60 (€6 shipping) for Amsterdam showers. Doesn't fit? Withdraw by email, return it, and get €66 back.

Your rights and obligations

Consumer rights

• Cancel without explanation.
• Full refund including standard shipping costs.
• Extended period if information is inadequate.

Consumer obligations

• Return in good condition (deduction for wear and tear).
• Bear your own return shipping costs.

Seller obligations

• Provide clear information upfront.
• Process refunds promptly.
• Often offer free returns.

Practical cases from Amsterdam

Case 1: Ordered a bike online for the canals. Too big? Withdrawn within the period: seller arranges pickup.

Case 2: App downloaded immediately: right of withdrawal lapses.

Case 3: Flexible Airbnb in the Jordaan: withdrawable; strict rate not.

At the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam, we often hear disputes about return costs – the law places them on you, unless otherwise stated.

Tips for Amsterdammers

• Read terms before buying from local or major shops.
• Keep proof: invoices, codes.
• Film unboxing for valuable items.
• Download the model withdrawal form for clarity.
• Problems? Go to Juridisch Loket Amsterdam or District Court of Amsterdam.