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German Cabinet Approves Draft Law Requiring One‑Click Online Contract Withdrawal

The measure implements EU consumer rules, moving to parliament for review.

Overview

  • The draft mandates a clearly labeled, prominently placed "Vertrag widerrufen" button that remains available on providers’ sites throughout the 14‑day withdrawal period.
  • The requirement covers goods, services and financial products, with the function designed for easy access; a draft seen by BILD states it should be reachable without login.
  • Financial providers must give adequate product explanations and offer customers the option of direct personal contact, while manipulative interface designs that steer choices become unlawful.
  • The proposal caps withdrawals for financial services at a maximum of 12 months and 14 days after contract conclusion if informed about the right, with life insurance set at 24 months and 30 days.
  • The bill still requires Bundestag and Bundesrat approval; media report a possible mid‑December implementation target that has not been officially confirmed, and firms would no longer have to supply paper terms on request.