The withdrawal button:
two clicks, one receipt
From 19 June 2026 the EU requires a withdrawal function for contracts concluded online: customers withdraw through a button in the shop instead of by email or a PDF form.
What the withdrawal function must include
Art. 11a Directive 2011/83/EU, inserted by Directive (EU) 2023/2673, spells out the flow. Member states apply it from 19 June 2026; national law may name a later date.
| What | EU reference |
|---|---|
| A button “withdraw from contract here” Labelled legibly with these words or an unambiguous corresponding formulation, available throughout the withdrawal period, prominently displayed and easily accessible. | Art. 11a(1) Directive 2011/83/EU |
| A form with three details Name, which contract (for example the order number) and where the receipt goes (for example an email address). | Art. 11a(2) Directive 2011/83/EU |
| A second button “confirm withdrawal” Labelled only with these words or an unambiguous corresponding formulation. Only this button sends the withdrawal. | Art. 11a(3) Directive 2011/83/EU |
| An acknowledgement of receipt Without delay on a durable medium, in practice by email, with the content of the withdrawal and the date and time it was received. | Art. 11a(4) Directive 2011/83/EU |
Step by step
Placement
A “withdraw from contract here” link in the footer of every page, in the customer account next to each order and in the order confirmation. Guest orders need a way in without signing in.
Shopify
Install a withdrawal-function app from the Shopify App Store, or create a page with a form (name, order number, email) and add the link to the footer menu under Online Store, Navigation. The confirmation email must go out automatically.
WooCommerce
A withdrawal-button plugin, or a form plugin with the three fields, a submit button “confirm withdrawal” and an automatic email to the customer with content, date and time. Add the link to the footer menu under Appearance, Menus.
Test
Withdraw once yourself: does the receipt arrive right away, with content and time? Does the withdrawal reach your inbox or shop backend?
Questions
Is the withdrawal button mandatory, and from when?
Directive (EU) 2023/2673 requires member states to apply the rule from 19 June 2026. The national law of the market you sell into may name a later date.
Is a model withdrawal form as a PDF enough?
No. The model form stays part of the information, but it does not replace the function on the online interface under Art. 11a.
What should the buttons say?
“Withdraw from contract here”, then “confirm withdrawal”, or an unambiguous corresponding formulation in the language of your shop.
What a scan shows
It looks for a link or button leading to withdrawal on the pages it opens and reports whether and where it found one. Whether the form and receipt work it cannot see; only your own test shows that. It also checks the order button label.
As of 11 October 2026. We name the reference so you can read it yourself; this is not legal advice.
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