Introducing the withdrawal button

The so-called “order button” and the “cancellation button” are well established features in the European and German consumer protection law. And by 2026 the „withdrawal button“ will be added!

• The “order button“ (Section 312j German Civil Code) is the oldest one of the bunch: Since 2012, online consumer contracts require an explicit acknowledgement of the payment obligation by means of an “order with obligation to pay“ button. The courts apply strict standards.

• The “cancellation button“ applies to online contracts with continuing obligations. It is a creation of the German legislature with no origin in EU law, entered into force in 2022 (Section 312k German Civil Code). An increasing number of court rulings interpret the requirements strictly.

• And the new kid on the block: the “withdrawal button“! From 19 June 2026, an electronic withdrawal function must be provided for distance contracts concluded online. The first draft of the act is available now.

Violations not only have consequences for the contractual relationship, they can also result in warnings from competitors and class actions!
Find details on the latest button in this overview.