The withdrawal button: what does it mean for your webshop?

You may already have heard something about it: the “withdrawal button” or “stop button”. From 19 June 2026, a new obligation applies to Belgian webshops, and if you haven't got round to it yet, now is the moment to sort it out.

What exactly is the right of withdrawal again?

In short: when you buy something online, you have the right as a consumer to cancel that purchase within 14 calendar days without giving a reason. This right is known as the right of withdrawal and has existed for some time.

The 14-day period starts from the moment of receipt in the case of goods, and from the conclusion of the contract in the case of services.

If you do not correctly inform the consumer about the right of withdrawal, the 14-day cooling-off period is extended by 12 months. In that case, the total withdrawal period is 1 year and 14 days instead of the standard 14 calendar days

Until now, a customer could simply exercise the right of withdrawal by email, by post, or by using the model withdrawal form. That remains the case. But now something is being added.

What changed on 19 June 2026?

European Directive (EU) 2023/2673 adds a new obligation: a digital withdrawal function, also known as the withdrawal button or stop button.

The basic principle: A contract must be just as easy for the consumer to withdraw from as it was to conclude. Bought with one click? Then you must also be able to withdraw with one click.

An email address or a contact form somewhere at the bottom of your page is no longer sufficient as a means of withdrawal. You need to provide a specific, clearly recognisable button or function that initiates the withdrawal.

Who does this obligation apply to?

This new rule applies to:

• any business that allows consumers to conclude a contract online;
• via a website, webshop or app;
• for products or services for which a statutory right of withdrawal exists.

Do you sell only to other businesses (B2B)? Then this falls outside the scope. But as soon as you also serve consumers, the obligation applies even if you run a small or start-up webshop.

Please note: the obligation also applies to businesses outside the EU that actively target Belgian or European consumers.

What exactly must the withdrawal button do?

The law is fairly clear about what is expected:

• The button must be easy to find in your customer account, with the order history, or clearly visible in the footer of your website.
• It must be available throughout the entire withdrawal period (14 days).
• The wording must be unambiguous: “Withdraw from this contract here” or “Withdrawal button”.
• After clicking, the consumer receives confirmation of the withdrawal.

The button does not replace the existing methods of withdrawal; email and the model form also remain valid. The button is a mandatory additional route.

What if you haven't sorted this out yet?

Then it's high time. The deadline of 19 June 2026 has passed. Webshops that do not offer a withdrawal function risk complaints to the FPS Economy and penalties under the Belgian Code of Economic Law.

Good news: it isn't technically complicated. What you need is:

• a button or link in your customer account or order confirmation,
• a confirmation email that is sent automatically after withdrawal,
• and terms and conditions that correctly reflect the new rules.

Specific questions about your webshop?

Not sure how to implement the withdrawal button correctly, or would you like your terms and conditions checked against the new requirements? I'd be happy to help.

At Back Up Legal Assistance, I support Belgian webshops and self-employed entrepreneurs with practical legal compliance — without unnecessary jargon, and tailored to how your business actually operates.

This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation.