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4w ago

Germany Proposes One-Click Online Cancellation and Stricter Withdrawal Limits

Open for feedback until August 1, the draft law would mandate a one-click revocation button by mid-2026 under revised EU consumer directives.

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Mit einer Gesetzesänderung will Bundesjustiz- und Verbraucherschutzministerin Stefanie Hubig (SPD) den Widerruf eines im Internet geschlossenen Vertrags erleichtern.
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Overview

  • The Justice Ministry published the draft on July 9, launching a consultation open until August 1 ahead of Bundestag review and a target enactment by mid-2026.
  • The button must be labeled "Vertrag widerrufen" or an equivalent clear term, remain visible and accessible throughout the withdrawal period, and be prominently placed on online interfaces.
  • The proposal caps open-ended withdrawal rights for financial services at 12 months and 14 days and for life insurance contracts at 24 months and 30 days after contract conclusion.
  • Companies would no longer be required to provide paper copies of contract terms and must give clear online explanations of financial products along with an option to request personal contact.
  • A May 22 BGH ruling extended the requirement for an online cancellation button to one-off, automatically ending contracts, reinforcing the legal foundation for the planned reforms.