Two EU directives changed the rules for online shops in 2026: Directive (EU) 2023/2673 (online withdrawal function, from 19 June 2026) and Directive (EU) 2024/825 (green claims, durability and product information, from 27 September 2026). The Omnibus Directive (EU) 2019/2161 rules on discounts and reviews have applied since 2022.
1. Withdrawal function (from 19 June 2026)
- "Withdraw from contract here" label, prominent, available for the whole withdrawal period
- Online statement: name, order, e-mail for the acknowledgement
- Separate "confirm withdrawal" button
- Automatic e-mail with the statement's content and date and time
- Works for guest orders
2. Environmental claims (from 27 September 2026)
- No generic claims ("eco", "green", "sustainable") unless backed by the EU Ecolabel or equivalent
- No offset-based "climate neutral" claims
- No self-made, uncertified sustainability badges
- Single-aspect claims say which aspect
- An evidence register for every claim
3. Product information (from 27 September 2026)
- Commercial durability guarantee over 2 years, if the producer offers one
- Minimum software-update period for goods with digital elements
- Repairability and spare parts, where available
- No false durability or repairability claims
4. Prices and reviews (since 2022)
- Discounts: prior price = lowest price of the previous 30 days
- Say whether and how you check reviews
- No fake or bought reviews, no hiding negative ones
- Disclose when ranking depends on payment
- Tell customers about automated personalised prices
5. Interface
- Urgency messages only when true (timers, stock)
- Final button such as "Order with obligation to pay", total price shown before
- Cancelling and unsubscribing as easy as signing up
Run the quick audit in the free tool to turn this list into a prioritised, printable action plan.
Information guide, not legal advice. Each EU country transposes these directives and sets its own penalties.